Lahore, Pakistan — The Lahore district administration has officially notified detailed terms and conditions for a three-day Basant celebration, marking a cautious return of the historic spring festival under a tightly regulated framework aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing past tragedies.
According to the notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza, Basant festivities, including kite flying, will be held in Lahore from February 6 to February 8, 2026. The administration has made it clear that the celebrations will be permitted strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules, with no relaxation in safety standards.
The notification states that the manufacturing, storage, trade and sale of kite-flying materials will be allowed only after mandatory digital registration with the deputy commissioner’s office. Manufacturers, traders and sellers must comply with the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules, 2025, and only materials listed in Schedule-I of the rules will be permitted. Registration has been opened through the government’s E-Biz app and the official Basant website.
Authorities have clarified that registered sellers will be allowed to sell kite-flying materials to the general public from February 1 to February 8, 2026. Sellers will be required to maintain complete records of stock, sales and movement of goods, which will remain available for inspection by authorised officials throughout the Basant period.
Strict safety measures have also been announced, including a complete ban on hazardous kite strings. The use, sale or manufacturing of chemical, metallic, nylon, plastic or sharp-coated strings has been declared illegal, while only approved cotton threads specified under the rules will be allowed. Any violation may result in cancellation of registration, confiscation of materials and legal action under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance and Rules, 2025.
The district administration has directed law enforcement agencies to ensure heightened security and safety arrangements across the city. Motorcyclists have been advised to install protective safety wires on their vehicles to prevent injuries from stray kite strings, while police and district officers have been instructed to remain on high alert during the celebrations.
Officials said kite-flying associations and registered stakeholders would be required to remain in close coordination with the district administration to ensure smooth and safe festivities. While Basant holds deep cultural significance for Lahore, authorities have stressed that public safety will remain the top priority throughout the three-day event.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.