By Arshad Shafiq
LAHORE - The moment clock struck 12 on Friday night, the Lahorites started flying kites, celebrating night Basant 25 years after it was banned.
They have been given three days to hit the sky with kites from Friday night to Sunday night, forming full three days.
The Punjab government has lifted a ban on celebrating Basant, igniting a debate surrounding its utility and fatality, with many saying the decision is the reflection of Lahorites’ aspiration and will bring business and other viewing it will pain those who lost their loved ones to stray kites, and risk lives of more people.
BASANT IS ALL ABOUT KITE FLYING
It is a seasonal fair and meant for bidding adieu to winter. It falls in the month of February, which is neither cold nor hot, but moderate. Basant festival allowed in Punjab 25 years after it was banned. Its celebrations will begin on February 6, 2026 and continue until February 8.
PASSION, EXCITEMENT UNPRECEDENTED
Excitement was unprecedented. People of all ages looked in festive mood. Every rooftop was illuminated and echoed with music and songs. Joyous crowds made noise and some resorted to firing and fireworks in jubilations. They arranged late night dinners, with special dishes, particularly barbecue and green tea for chilly weather.
Their dresses were spick and span, not less than Eid dresses. Hugging, shouting with ‘Bo Kata’, dance, drums, horns, trumpets, kites and spools of string were the inseparable elements of the night Basant.
GUESTS, EXPATS JOIN CELEBRATION
The Lahorites as usual were not alone in their celebrations. Their guests coming from inside and outside of the country made the most of the event.
I have come from Manchester with my family. I remember I had last celebrated Basant almost 20 years ago. Then I left for UK. I got news there that Basant had been banned in Lahore for casualties from kite flying. I had a plan to come to Pakistan in March. When I came to know that Punjab CM had removed the ban, I decided to come earlier, said a Basant enthusiast while talking to Dunya News.
“I believe Basant is meant for kite flying. I love kite flying. I flew kites in coastal area of Dubai. I have come here to fly kites in Lahore. People of Lahore have a good taste in kite flying. Unfortunately, I could not get quality twine. Twine makers cheated on buyers. They mixed a twine spool with two qualities of thread. For example, if a Pinna, (roll), consists of three reels of thread, one is good, and remaining cord is of poor quality.
NEW EXPERIENCE FOR TEENAGERS
The Basant is a new experience for teenagers. Because it was banned in 2001, and those born after this year, don’t know what Basant is. Basant is a new festival for teenagers. Their parents know the delights of the fair. They seem telling their children about Basant, with some disappointment that at their times the prices of kites and strings were quite reasonable compared to current prices.
Excitement is high among the youngsters, who, despite soaring prices of kites and twines, are adamant to go with full three days of Basant.
Talking to Dunya News, a college student, Ali, said, “I saw kites in the sky, but I don’t know the Basant festivities. I heard a lot about it from my elder sister. No matter I don’t have money to buy kites, I will catch them and then fly, making the most of three days of Basant.”
“To me Basant is all about kite flying. I am afraid of kite string. I would not touch it. I enjoy kite flying by watching kites soaring in the sky and their competitions, and more importantly chanting of ‘Bo Kata,” said a university student, Tariq, while talking to Dunya News.
The Punjab government has announced a grand Basant Gala at Liberty Chowk. This move has created a buzz among the merrymakers. Actually, the people of Lahore spare no opportunity to join joyful gatherings. Liberty Chowk celebrations are scheduled to be held on Saturday - second day of Basant.
“I will go to Liberty Chowk with my friend. I am not interested in flying kites as much as my other brothers and sisters. Liberty Chowk fascinates me. Activities like Basant festival at Liberty Chowk will really be a big deal for me,” said a youngster.
2026 BASANT IN SOCIAL MEDIA AGE
This time the festival falls in social media age. WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Tweeter and other means of technology are creating Basant hype. When the last Basant was celebrated in 2000, there was no android mobile phone. Now, social media users are sharing photos of kites and spools of strings through posts and clips. They are sharing their Basant programmes and invitations using social media handle. Even buyers are getting their orders booked for kites and strings on phone.
At Basant night, they shared their pictures flying kites, dancing and eating. These clips kept making rounds on social media, creating a frenzy among the kite lovers. This practice will continue until the arrival of another Basant.
APPREHENSIONS, EXPECTATIONS
Though the festival is being celebrated in stringent security measures and safety codes, worries for Basant-related untoward incidents still exist. Previous Basants were not free from casualties and injuries as a result of celebratory firing and falling from roofs.
If this event passes off peacefully, chances will be bright that the festival will continue even with expansion to other districts as they too are demanding for permission.
Critics of kite flying are watching the situation. The moment they find something wrong, they will stoke criticism against the Punjab government, with their renewed demand for permanent ban on kite flying. The situation will clear with the culmination the three-day Basant gala. Let’s hope for the best.