Lahore awoke on Friday to a burst of colour as Basant returned to the city after nearly two decades, with vibrant kites dotting the winter sky and residents eager to relive one of Punjab’s most cherished cultural traditions. The long-awaited revival has drawn large crowds from across the country and abroad, filling hotels and guest houses to capacity and turning the city into a festive hub for three consecutive holidays.
Read More: DHA Lahore’s residents allowed flying kites on Basant
Despite the celebratory mood, the Punjab government has declared Basant a “sensitive” event, citing the scale of participation, emotional attachment to the festival, and prevailing law and order concerns. Authorities have rolled out extensive safety and regulatory measures to ensure the celebrations remain orderly and incident-free.
Basant is back — safety comes first! 🪁Follow SOPs, avoid harmful strings, and protect lives. #SafeBasantPK #PhirAaiBasant #Basant2026 @GovtofPunjabPK pic.twitter.com/s2kAljhpo7
— Walled City of Lahore Authority (@WCLAuthority) February 2, 2026
Demand for kites and twine surged sharply after official sales were allowed just days before Basant, leading to acute shortages and steep price hikes. Kite enthusiasts complained that a single roll of permissible twine was selling for as much as Rs25,000, while kites were priced between Rs500 and Rs1,500. Many blamed the government for underestimating public demand, saying the festival had effectively become accessible only to those who could afford inflated prices.
To ease shortages, the Punjab government permitted registered manufacturing in districts such as Sheikhupura, Faisalabad and Multan, and allowed regulated supplies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Law enforcement agencies confiscated non-permissible materials to prevent injuries and accidents.
Security arrangements include strict vehicle checks, deployment of quick response forces, aerial firing bans, traffic management plans, and emergency medical preparedness. Kite flying has been prohibited near Allama Iqbal International Airport for aviation safety, while motorcyclists have been instructed to install protective steel wires to guard against stray twine.
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Authorities have also banned kites displaying political or religious symbols to keep the festival apolitical. Free public transport has been announced across Lahore during Basant days to reduce congestion.
While the city celebrates with rooftops, music, food and gatherings, officials stress that Basant activities will end at midnight on Sunday, after which the province-wide ban on kite flying will again take effect.