ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will officially revive one of South Asia’s most vibrant spring festivals next month, as the Punjab government lifts a ban of more than a decade on Basant, the centuries-old kite-flying celebration once halted after deadly incidents caused by razor-sharp kite strings.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced the decision on X, declaring: “Spring returns to the city of heritage and festivals. Lahore’s skies will speak in color again, reclaiming our glory for the world.”

She said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif “has approved” the return of Basant from February 6 to 8 in Lahore, the first officially sanctioned celebration since 2007.

The festival historically transformed Lahore into a citywide spectacle, with entire neighborhoods turning into open-air gatherings and thousands of participants flying brightly colored kites in rooftop competitions. At its peak in the early 2000s, Basant drew international tourists and Pakistani expatriates who traveled home specifically for the event.

Aurangzeb noted the festival would be celebrated “across Lahore after 25 years,” emphasizing that although small-scale celebrations persisted despite the ban, authorities had long blocked any formal or citywide events.

A major safety operation is already underway. Lahore has begun installing protective antennas on motorcycles to prevent injuries caused by stray kite strings.

“Safety is CM Punjab priority,” she said. “Let every kite soar and every ride be safe, together we’ll make Lahore happy, historic and secure.”

Why Basant turned deadly

Over the years, competitive kite-flying pushed enthusiasts to coat their strings, known locally as “dor,” with ground glass, metal or chemicals to gain an advantage.

These sharpened strings could slice through rivals’ kites but also caused widespread harm, cutting electrical lines, triggering blackouts and, most tragically, injuring or killing motorcyclists who collided with the nearly invisible strings.

By 2007, authorities attributed dozens of deaths to Basant-related incidents, including falls from rooftops and motorcycle accidents. The Punjab government banned the festival that year, and any attempts at revival in subsequent years were halted following new casualties.

The ban hit Lahore’s traditional kite-making families particularly hard, forcing many artisans to abandon their craft.

New law sets strict controls

Basant’s revival follows the introduction of the Basant Ordinance 2025, which sets strict safety rules aimed at preventing the tragedies that once made the festival deadly.

Metallic and chemical-coated strings remain banned; only approved cotton strings may be used. Manufacturers and sellers must register with authorities and label each product with a QR code for tracking. “Every kite string and seller registered, QR coded and monitored,” Aurangzeb said, stressing rigorous enforcement.

Penalties for violations include fines of up to Rs100,000 ($353.7) and possible imprisonment of up to three years.

Motorcycles are being equipped with vertical antennas designed to deflect or break dangerous strings. “On CM Punjab’s direction a city-wide campaign to install safety antennas on all motorbikes starts tomorrow,” she said, adding: “Every motorbike in Lahore will have Antenna for safety before and during Basant.”

Aurangzeb said the festival belongs to the people but requires collective responsibility. “Basant belongs to the people, its success is our collective responsibility. The Basant Ordinance 2025 will be fully enforced and implemented.”

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Punjab revives Basant festival after long ban with new safety rules