Basant returns to Lahore after 25 years - here's what you need to know
Pakistan
CM Maryam Nawaz has given the green light to celebrate Basant festival across Lahore from February 6 to 8, confirms Marriyum Aurangzeb
LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Punjab government has formally approved the revival of the traditional kite-flying festival Basant, ending a more than two-decade long suspension.
A high-level meeting chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that CM Maryam Nawaz has given the green light to celebrate the heritage and cultural festival across Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026.
BASANT UNDER STRICT RULES
Under the newly issued Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, Basant will return with a stringent regulatory regime to safeguard public safety.
All kite-makers, sellers, and kite-flying associations will be registered, and every kite and string will carry a QR code for identification and traceability.
The ordinance bans the use, manufacture, or sale of metallic, glass-coated or chemically-treated strings — historically associated with deadly accidents — and permits only thread-based string.
Violations carry heavy penalties: offenders may face three to five years in prison and fines up to Rs2 million.
CM Punjab @MaryamNSharif has approved the revival of our beloved Heritage Basant Festival on February 6th 7th and 8th celebrated across Lahore after 25 years, a tradition rooted in history and admired worldwide.
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) December 10, 2025
The Basant Ordinance 2025 will be fully enforced and implemented.… pic.twitter.com/R4E1saQppS
Minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from flying kites; guardians or parents may be held responsible, with fines of Rs50,000 for a first offence and Rs100,000 for repeat violations.
As part of the safety measures, the government has directed that all motorcycles in Lahore be fitted with safety “antennas” before and during the Basant celebrations — a campaign set to begin immediately.
MARRIYUM AURANGZEB MAKES BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
“Safety is CM Punjab priority. Let every kite soar and every ride be safe together we’ll make Lahore happy historic and secure,” Marriyum Aurangzeb said in her social media post.
She added that spring returns to the city of heritage and festivals.
“Lahore’s skies will speak in colour again reclaiming our glory for the world,” the senior minister added.
Kite flying ordinance 2025 placed before Punjab Assembly for committee review
The authority to register kite manufacturers and kite-flying organisations will rest with the Deputy Commissioner.
District-level permission for kite flying will also be granted by the Deputy Commissioner after approval from the government.
