What you should know about Basant’s 25-year comeback to Lahore

After being suspended for more than 20 years, the Punjab government has officially permitted the return of the traditional kite-flying celebration Basant.

CM Maryam Nawaz has approved the celebration of the history and cultural festival throughout Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026, according to a high-level meeting presided over by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

UNDER STRICT RULES, BASANT

In order to protect public safety, Basant will return with a strict regulatory framework under the recently enacted Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025.

Every kite and string will have a QR code for identification and traceability, and all kite-makers, sellers, and kite-flying associations will be registered.

The ordinance only allows thread-based string and prohibits the usage, production, and sale of metallic, glass-coated, or chemically treated strings, which have traditionally been linked to fatal accidents.

Penalties for violations are severe: offenders may be fined up to Rs. 2 million and imprisoned for three to five years.

It is forbidden for minors under the age of 18 to fly kites; parents or guardians may be held accountable and fined Rs. 50,000 for the first offense and Rs. 100,000 for subsequent infractions.

The government has ordered that all motorbikes in Lahore be equipped with safety “antennas” prior to and during the Basant celebrations, as part of the safety precautions. The campaign is scheduled to start right away.

An important announcement is made by Marriiyum Aurangzeb.

“CM Punjab prioritizes safety.” In her social media post, Marriyum Aurangzeb stated, “Let every kite fly and every ride be safe. Together, we’ll make Lahore happy, historic, and safe.”

“Spring returns to the city of heritage and festivals,” she added.

The senior minister continued, “Lahore’s skies will speak in color again reclaiming our glory for the world.”

The Punjab Assembly has received the 2025 kite flying ordinance for committee scrutiny.

The Deputy Commissioner will have the power to register kite producers and kite-flying organizations.

The Deputy Commissioner will also authorize kite flying at the district level following government approval.