SOPs in place to balance cultural renaissance and public safety as Basant set to be celebrated from February 6-8
The Lahore district administration has officially approved the conditional revival of Basant in 2026, allowing kite flying as part of a comprehensive set of safety regulations aimed at protecting lives while restoring one of the city’s most famous cultural traditions.
Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza issued a notification allowing Basant celebrations within the district limits scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8. The move marks a significant policy shift after years of restrictions, with authorities emphasizing that the festival will take place in strict compliance with safety laws and regulatory oversight.
According to the notification, flying of kites will be permitted exclusively during the designated three days, while manufacturing, trade and sale of approved kite flying equipment will be regulated through a mandatory registration system. Manufacturers, traders and sellers must complete digital registration through the e-Biz app or the official portal basant.punjab.gov.pk, with the registration process already underway.
The administration clarified that the production and trade of equipment for flying kites will be permitted from December 30, 2025 to February 8, 2026. Retail sales to the public will, however, be limited from February 1 to 8. Only registered sellers will be allowed to sell kite flying equipment and all certificates must be displayed conspicuously on business premises.
Authorities have imposed a ban on reels and all forms of unsafe kite strings, including nylon, plastic, metal wire, chemical-coated maanjha or glass.
Only cotton strings meeting strict technical specifications will be authorized and they must be wound into a round shape called a “flag”. Each pavilion will carry a unique QR code to ensure traceability and verification.
The notification also defines the permitted dimensions of kites. A ‘patang’ cannot exceed 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length, while a ‘guda’ must measure 40 inches in width and 34 inches in length.
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Any deviation from these limits will result in legal action under the Punjab Regulations of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025.
As an added safety measure, motorcyclists will need to install protective safety cables on their two-wheelers to reduce the risk of injury from lost ropes. Law enforcement and district officials have been tasked with launching crackdowns against the sale or use of banned materials, with a zero-tolerance policy in place.
Speaking on the revival, Deputy Commissioner Musa Raza said Basant is a cultural brand of Lahore, but stressed that public safety remains the top priority of the administration.
“Basant is part of Lahore’s heritage. Ensuring its safety is our collective responsibility,” he said, adding that business operators could start legal business activity from Tuesday after fulfilling all registration conditions.
Standard operating procedures have been issued for district administration officials, police, kite flying associations and citizens. Kite associations wishing to operate during the festival must also register online and meet prescribed criteria, including a minimum membership requirement and a commitment to promoting safe practices and raising public awareness.
Officials said the framework aims to strike a balance between cultural renaissance and citizen security. Any individual or company that manufactures, stores, transports or sells unapproved material without registration will be subject to sanctions, seizure of goods and legal action.
With the notification now in force, authorities say preparations are underway to ensure that Basant 2026 is celebrated as a regulated, safe and community-oriented event, thereby restoring a long-ignored tradition while prioritizing the protection of lives and public order.
