Skies of Lahore come alive as Basant returns after years of hiatus

The festival Lahore had been waiting for years has returned in full splendor after about two decades and the metropolis has once again been drenched in the colours of Basant.

All is set for a three-day Basant festival from February 6 (today) for which all necessary arrangements have been finalised both by the individuals and organisations at different parts of the city.

On the very first day of the festival, the skies filled with colourful kites, rooftops came alive, and cries of “Bo Kata” echoed in every direction. Vibrant kites and paper flyers dotted the air, while celebratory shouts rang out across the city, making Lahore look like a beautifully adorned bride. Large numbers of residents spent the Basant nights on their rooftops, where families and friends gathered to enjoy the festivities together.

The walled city of Lahore has become a centre of Basant activities, which will last till February 8 (Sunday).

READ MORE: Health facilities during Basant: 13 hospitals put on alert with necessary arrangements

The Punjab government’s decision to lift a ban on the historic event after 18 years has received a warm welcome from the people. The Punjab government has put in place strict regulations to ensure safe Basant. Only cotton string is allowed to be sold for kite-flying during Basant, whereas the manufacturing of metallic string material and kites exceeding fixed sizes is strictly prohibited. The provincial government has also imposed a ban on the manufacturing of kites bearing images of any person, Holy Scripture, religious place, country’s flag or that of a political party. The police are making arrangements to ensure safety of the people on Basant.

In a post on her X account, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said: “Kites return to the skies of Lahore as Basant comes alive again after 25 years!  A celebration of culture, colour, and community! Let’s enjoy the festivities together responsibly, follow all safety SOPs, and make this Basant safe for everyone.”

Punjab CM Maryam has already announced a “long weekend” declaring a “provincial Basant holiday on the 6th, followed by Saturday and Sunday.”

It may be noted that Basant festival was banned in 2007 in Punjab because of an increasing number of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp strings, particularly to motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as by celebratory gunfire, Business Recorder reported on Friday.

As per Met office forecast, mainly dry weather with clear skies is expected on 6th and 7th February, while dry weather with few cloudy conditions on 8th February, 2026 in Lahore during the Basant 2026. Light westerly/north-westerly winds were likely to blow at the speed of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour, which was “suitable for safe kite-flying.”

Although, people are complaining about soaring prices of kite-related commodities, but huge sales worth millions of rupees were made during the last few days in Lahore.

Moreover, the CM has taken notice of an incident in Rawalpindi in which a young girl was injured due to kite string. She has sought a detailed report from the Commissioner Rawalpindi.

The chief minister reiterated that Basant will be celebrated only in Lahore, while kite flying remains strictly banned across the rest of Punjab. She stressed that the use of prohibited and dangerous kite string must not be allowed to turn a festival of happiness into a tragedy. The CM directed the authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the law and to take action against those involved in the use and sale of banned kite string to safeguard public lives.