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Lahore DC Approves Basant Celebrations From Feb 6–8 With Strict Conditions
After 18 years, Basant returns to Lahore. DC allows kite flying from Feb 6–8 under strict rules, safety measures and penalties for violations under Punjab’s new kite-flying law.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-29
Lahore DC Approves Basant Celebrations From Feb 6–8 With Strict Conditions

The Lahore deputy commissioner (DC) on Monday formally approved the celebration of Basant in the district from February 6 to 8, laying out detailed terms, conditions, restrictions and penalties to ensure public safety during the festival.

The approval follows the passage of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025 by the Punjab Assembly on December 24, which paved the way for the revival of the traditional festival after an 18-year ban. The law authorises deputy commissioners to grant conditional permission for kite flying on specified days and at designated locations.

According to a notification issued by the Lahore DC — a copy of which is available with Dawn — kite flying will be allowed across the territorial limits of Lahore district on the occasion of Basant 2026, subject to strict compliance with the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025 and its rules. The notification did not specify any particular localities, implying that celebrations will be permitted throughout the district.

The notification allows the manufacturing and trade of permissible kite-flying material from December 30 to February 8, 2026, provided the manufacturers and traders are digitally registered under Rule 3 of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules, 2025. The sale of such material to the general public will be permitted only from February 1 to February 8 and exclusively through registered sellers.

Registration for manufacturers, traders and sellers has been opened through the government’s e-biz application and the Basant festival website. The DC strictly prohibited the manufacturing, trading, storage or sale of kite-flying material without valid registration.

Only kite-flying material specified in Schedule-I of the rules will be allowed. Kites must not exceed 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length, while the gudda must not exceed 40 inches in width and 34 inches in length.

The notification further directed that kite string must be made of cotton with no more than nine threads and a minimum 28-count coating, with a sheesha size of at least 350 mash. The string must be wound in the form of pinna (twine balls), while the use of charkhi (spool) has been strictly banned.

The manufacturing, trade, transport, storage, sale, possession or use of sharp maanjha, nylon or plastic cords, metallic wire or any other injurious material has been strictly prohibited. Registered manufacturers, traders and sellers have been directed to prominently display their registration certificates at approved premises and maintain complete records of stock and sales for inspection by authorised officers.

Registered kite-flying associations have been instructed to remain in close coordination with the district administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the festival. All permissions will be regulated strictly under the ordinance and its rules.

The DC also directed all motorcycle riders in Lahore to install safety wires to prevent injuries caused by stray kite strings. Government departments, attached agencies and police have been instructed to assist the district administration in enforcing strict compliance with the rules to safeguard public lives.

Any violation of the notification will result in legal action under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance, Rules and Regulations, including cancellation of registration, seizure of material and criminal prosecution.

Kite flying had been banned in Punjab in 2007 during the tenure of former chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi following a rise in fatalities and serious injuries caused by sharp strings, especially to motorcyclists. The revival of Basant was initiated on the recommendation of PML-N leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif after consultations with festival stakeholders.

The Punjab government has directed all divisional commissioners, DCs and district police officers to ensure adequate safety arrangements before announcing Basant dates in their respective districts. Separate notifications will be required for celebrations outside Lahore.

Despite the continued ban except for the three notified days, at least two incidents have already been reported in Lahore and Pattoki where a young man and a minor girl were injured by stray kite strings. A Punjab Home Department source told Dawn that the department was “disturbed” by these incidents and questioned how illegal kites and strings were being manufactured and circulated despite the ban, calling for immediate action against violators.
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