The Punjab Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast mainly dry weather with clear skies for the majority of Basant 2026 in Lahore, ensuring ideal conditions for kite flying during the three-day festival.
PMD reported light westerly and north-westerly winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour, suitable for safe kite flying, while advising participants to exercise caution near electric lines, open roads, and crowded areas.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a provincial Basant holiday on February 6, declaring a long weekend to allow residents and tourists to celebrate the historic festival under strict safety regulations.
Read more : DHA lahore residents granted conditional permission for basant kite …
The Punjab government approved the manufacture and sale of only permissible kite-flying materials, including cotton strings, while banning metallic strings, oversized kites, and kites bearing images of people, religious symbols, flags, or political emblems.
CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that Basant is a unique Punjab tradition dating back to 1250, marking the arrival of spring, yellow symbolizing life returning to the land and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The festival has already generated billions in economic activity, with hotels and guest houses fully booked, and authorities deploying over 2,500 traffic personnel and 100,000 police officers to ensure smooth celebrations.
Read more : Basant celebrations bring 5-day holiday to Lahore
Strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and security protocols have been implemented, including 46 high-risk, 32 medium-risk, and 20 low-risk monitoring camps, with violators facing up to 10 years imprisonment or fines of two million rupees.
All imported kite-flying material is being closely monitored, and information regarding registered manufacturers and sellers is available on the Punjab government’s online portal, while drone surveillance actively monitors street activities and crowd safety.
CM Maryam urged citizens to take pride in Punjabi culture and language, promoting heritage while celebrating Basant responsibly, ensuring the festival portrays Pakistan’s progressive image to domestic and international visitors.