LAHORE: Kite sales and string trade have surged in Lahore as the city gears up for the annual Basant festival, with vendors reporting record demand across markets.
Malik Faizan, legal advisor for the Kite Flying Association (KFA), said that on the first day alone, around 400,000 kites were sold. In addition, 15,000 spools of kite string changed hands during the initial festival buildup.
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Providing a breakdown of pricing, Faizan said large kites are selling for Rs 500, medium ones for Rs 300, and small kites for Rs 200. Premium-quality string spools are fetching between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000, while high-end varieties are priced at Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000.
The economic impact of the kite trade is substantial. Faizan estimated that large kites alone have generated Rs 100 million, medium-sized kites Rs 30 million, and small kites Rs 10.5 million. Meanwhile, string sales have contributed approximately Rs 80 million, bringing the total revenue from kite and string sales to around Rs 230 million.
Markets across Lahore, including Mochi Gate, Islampura, Sanda, Samanabad, and Ichhra, are bustling with activity as traders prepare for the festival.
Faizan highlighted that this vibrant trade not only reflects cultural enthusiasm but also provides a boost to the local economy during the festive season. Despite safety concerns historically associated with kite flying, the surge in sales indicates strong public participation in the celebrations.
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With Basant just around the corner, Lahore’s markets are witnessing a colorful frenzy as residents stock up on kites and strings, keeping the city’s decades-old festival tradition alive.