The Punjab government on Tuesday earmarked Feb. 6-8, 2026 to celebrate the kite-flying Basant festival, reviving it amidst strict regulatory controls to ensure public safety.
A meeting chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb finalized the decision, adding the festival would be celebrated across Lahore amidst strict enforcement of the Kite-Flying Ordinance, 2025.
According to local media, the government has decided to require all motorcycles to be equipped with safety rods. It has also decided to ensure the manufacture of string at designated locations within Lahore, under government supervision.
Following last week’s approval of the ordinance, the Punjab Home Department has already started registering kite and string manufacturers, sellers, buyers and kite-flying associations. The move aims to ensure public safety amidst ongoing concerns about the use of metal or chemically coated string that has proven fatal in the past.
Registration requires mandatory submission of Form A for individual registration, issuance of government certificates under Form B, and separate Forms C and D for kite-flying associations. Authorities have also fixed specifications for kite size, material and string quality. Under the law, any violators face cancellation of their registration and legal action. The manufacture of harmful string carries imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up Rs. 2 million.
While the decision to revive Basant has been celebrated by a majority, a petition before the Lahore High Court (LHC) is seeking restoration of the ban. The plea argues the ordinance was issued while the Punjab Assembly was in session, warning the festival has historically caused fatal incidents.