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Every year, when spring begins, Punjabis look forward to Basant, the famous kite-flying festival that once filled cities with color and joy. But for almost 20 years, it was banned. The ban wasn’t because people stopped loving Basant, but because it became dangerous, as sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire caused many injuries and even deaths, especially to bikers.
Now, in 2026, Basant is officially coming back and this time with safety measures, rules and regulation. After 18 years of banned status of Basant, the Punjab government has revived the Basant tradition in Lahore only.
The festival is to take place from 6 February to 8 February 2026. This year is extra special. February 6 has been declared a provincial holiday by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as officially reported by Pakistan Today, creating a long weekend that begins with Kashmir Day on February 5, followed by Basant and then the regular weekend.
In a message shared on her X account, Maryam Nawaz wrote:
This message perfectly captures what Basant is meant to be. A joyful, colourful break from routine where families and friends come together to celebrate Lahore’s heritage with pride and safety.
Although Basant is a beloved tradition across Punjab, the official celebrations this year will be limited to Lahore only. In recent policy decisions and notifications under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025, it has been made clear that kite flying elsewhere in the province remains banned for now.
This focused approach allows the government to supervise and control the festival better, ensure public safety, and reduce risks that once led to tragic accidents. It also means that if Lahore’s Basant goes smoothly, there’s a possibility the festival could expand more widely in future years but that depends entirely on how well the rules are followed this time.
Basant is returning back with a lot of rules and regulations. So that people came to know that it was really scary back then and so that’s why it was banned. So a lot of safety regulations are applied this year.
The sale of kites and kite strings has officially begun in Lahore according to AAJ English TV, but only through registered sellers and traders who applied online. According to the authentic figures, up-to 22,00 traders are allowed to sell their safety-measured materials. And some of them are still under review.
This registered system will track the safety standards and security measures and will provide safe materials. It will reduce the risk of illegal, banned, and hazardous materials.
Kite flying is permitted only with the cotton threads with utmost nine strands, under official regulations. Banned and illegal kites include metallic kites, rhodic kites, chemical coated kites, sharp kites, and nylon kites. They were responsible for many serious injuries back then.
Kites and kites strings would be containing a QR Code so authorities can every time check their source and verify the security measures. It’s a good step for accountability.
One of the most important rules this year concerns motorcycles, which were most affected in past Basant accidents. Authorities have mandated that every bike must be fitted with a safety rod or antenna before it can be ridden during the festival days, and law enforcement will enforce this strictly.
Riding without the appropriate safety gear can lead to fines or even confiscation of the vehicle, and banned kite flying is also in place near residential areas around Allama Iqbal International Airport to protect aviation safety.
To manage all these new regulations and respond quickly to any issues, the Lahore administration has also formed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) composed of police, rescue services, health officials, and civic authorities to ensure smooth and secure festivities.
Local officials have reinstated Section 144 across several parts of Lahore As Reported by ARY News to help maintain peace and order during Basant. Under this order:
This year rooftops celebrations are allowed, but home-owners must ensure safety measures as described by the Government. Otherwise, legal actions would be taken.
Understanding that traffic and city movement can become difficult during Basant, the government has made arrangements for free public transport throughout the festival days.
This includes services such as Metro Bus and other public routes to help people move around the city without unnecessary traffic stress or safety concerns, especially helpful for those leaving bikes at home and using public transport instead.
Authorities have also distributed over one million safety rods to motorcycle riders to support responsible participation, further reinforcing the message that safety comes first this year.
Beyond rules and regulations, the excitement among citizens is very real. Kite markets in areas like Mochi Gate, Mozang, Liberty, and Baghbanpura have become busy places where people are buying gear and preparing for sky parties. Prices of kites and strings have surged because demand is high and safe, regulated materials are limited.
Historic rooftops across Lahore are drawing big interest too. Some are being rented at premium prices as reported by the Express Tribune. Families, making advanced plans, are solding out their rooftops at higher prices, even providing food, music and safety.
Many people are thrilled to see this Basant tradition back after a long pause. Social media platforms ensure safety and celebrate responsibly.
Basant is not only about flying kites. It’s really a part of our culture and it will show how people come together, and celebrate together. This festival was earlier famous as Basant Panchami which means joy, hope, happiness, bliss, and pride. It represents heritage and unity.
In 2007, Basant was banned and not allowed in any places of Pakistan because it was dangerous and many heartwrenching incidents happened back then.
And in 2026, Basant is returning back with so much care and safety measures. So, it’s a positive and careful step taken by the Government.
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No, this year official Basant celebrations are only allowed in Lahore, kite flying is banned elsewhere.
Only registered sellers and traders are allowed to sell kites and strings. Unregistered sale is illegal.
Only cotton strings with up to 9 strands are allowed. Sharp, metallic, or chemical strings are banned.
Yes, but all motorcycles must have safety rods/antennas, riding without them can result in fines or confiscation.
Not allowed, kites flying near airports, sensitive zones, or restricted areas are banned strictly.
Yes, the Punjab Government will provide free transportation of Indrive rickshaws, Metro bus and Orange line.
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