By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Lahore deputy commissioner (DC) on Monday formally notified the terms and conditions for celebrating Basant in Lahore district, announcing that the festival will take place between February 6 and 8, 2026, after an 18-year ban.
Read also: Basant returns after 25 years as Punjab lifts ban with tough new rules
The notification, shared with Dawn, indicates that kite flying will be allowed across the district, as no specific zone or area has been designated. However, all celebrations must strictly follow the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules 2025 — a newly introduced legal framework to monitor and regulate kite flying.
According to the notification, manufacturing and trade of “permissible kite flying material” will be permitted from December 30 to February 8, but only for those who complete valid digital registration through the government’s e-biz app or the festival’s website. Public sale of these items will be allowed exclusively between February 1 and 8 and only by registered vendors.
The order emphasises that only kites and materials listed in Schedule-I of the new rules may be manufactured, sold or used. A size limit has been imposed as well: kites must not exceed 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length, while the gudda (support kite) cannot exceed 40 inches in width and 34 inches in length. The kite string must be cotton-based, with no more than nine threads and a minimum 28-count, coated with maanjha and wound only in the form of pinna (twine balls). The use of charkhi (spool) has been strictly banned.
All hazardous materials — including sharp maanjha, nylon, plastic cords and metallic wire — remain fully prohibited. Registered manufacturers, traders and sellers must keep full records of stock, movement and sales, and display valid registration certificates at their outlets.
The notification also directs coordination between kite flying associations and the district administration for safe conduct of the festival. Government departments and law enforcement agencies have been asked to ensure compliance, while motorcyclists in Lahore are ordered to install safety wires to prevent accidents during the event.
The order warns that any violations will lead to cancellation of registration or permission, seizure of materials and possible legal prosecution under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 and related laws.
The Punjab government is reviving Basant on recommendation of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, following consultations with festival stakeholders. Despite the ban remaining in place for all other days, two injuries — one in Lahore and another in Pattoki — have recently been reported due to stray kite strings, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
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