Lahore prepares for ‘limited Basant’ under strict safety plan

LAHORE: The Basant festival is set to return to Lahore’s skies after nearly two decades, as the Punjab government has approved celebrations on a limited scale within designated “safe zones.”

The revival marks a cautious comeback for the festival that once symbolised the arrival of spring but was banned due to fatal kite-string accidents.

Basant will be celebrated in Lahore in February next year, following a lengthy ban on kite-flying that has been in effect since 2005.

According to official documents available with Urdu News, preparations are under way under the supervision of Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who chaired a meeting to finalise the “Safe Basant Plan.”

The meeting featured a detailed presentation by the Lahore deputy commissioner, covering the festival’s historical, administrative, and safety aspects.

Celebrations inside Lahore’s 12 historic gates

Initially, the limited Basant festivities will be held within the Walled City, including Shahi Qila, Mochi Gate, Bhati Gate, and Rang Mahal zones, where the traditional cry of “Bo Kata!” will echo once again.

The celebration will be restricted to two days — Saturday and Sunday — to avoid chaos and accidents.

Local residents expressed both excitement and caution

Ghulam Muhammad, a kite-seller from Bhati Gate, said, “My father started this business here. Those were good days when kite flying was safe. Basant should return, but people must act responsibly — if not, it will be banned again.”

Another resident, Usman Roomi, said, “It’s a great decision. Foreigners once came to Lahore just for Basant. Our children don’t even know what it was. If we celebrate responsibly and follow the law, it can revive livelihoods.”

Strict safety measures planned

Under the approved plan, the use of metal, nylon, or chemically coated string remains banned. Only cotton-based or starch-coated strings will be allowed for kite flying. Each kite and string will carry a “barcode” for monitoring and to prevent the sale of hazardous materials.

Unregistered kite vendors and illegal string manufacturers will face fines and legal action, while motorcycles will be restricted in designated Basant zones. Those with special permits will be required to install safety antennas and neck guards to prevent accidents.

Authorities will also install safety nets and wire protection systems along major roads to make kite flying safer.

A step toward cultural revival

Experts say the limited return of Basant aims to revive Lahore’s cultural vibrancy while maintaining public safety. The government hopes that by enforcing strict regulations, the city can once again celebrate its springtime tradition without tragedy.

“This plan is not about punishing tradition but about protecting it,” an official noted, adding that this year’s Basant could mark the beginning of a safer, regulated revival of one of Lahore’s most cherished festivals.