After 25 Years, Basant Brings Lahore Back to Life

News Desk 

Islamabad: Lahore has been swept in vibrant colours as Basant festivities return to the city after nearly 25 years, reigniting cultural spirit, public enthusiasm, and economic activity across the provincial capital.

More than Rs540 million worth of kites and kite string were sold over three days ahead of the festival, according to the Kite Association, reflecting strong public excitement. On Tuesday alone, over 500,000 kites were sold in city markets as buying activity continued for the third consecutive day.

The three-day Basant festival will be celebrated in Lahore from February 6 to 8 after the Punjab government lifted a long-standing ban under strict conditions. 

Designated markets selling kite-flying material remained packed as enthusiasts prepared for the festival’s revival.

Basant Buzz Peaks at Mochi Gate

Mochi Gate emerged as a focal point of celebrations, where large crowds thronged stalls to purchase kites and strings of their choice. The festive atmosphere was further energized by a Basant float organized by the district administration, with dhol beats adding to the excitement of shoppers.

While many welcomed the festival’s return, some citizens complained about the high prices of kites and string, urging the government to intervene and make the items more affordable.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb visited Mochi Gate to review shopping arrangements and preparations. Speaking to the media, she said all arrangements for a safe Basant had been completed and urged citizens to strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) during celebrations.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also announced a major Basant celebration at Liberty Chowk on February 7, inviting residents from Lahore and across the province to participate. 

The announcement was made through a message on social media platform X, where she described Basant as a beautiful festival of Punjab and encouraged parents to teach their children the Punjabi language, calling it a matter of pride.

Public Holiday

A public holiday has been announced across Punjab on February 6 and 7, according to an official notification, further boosting participation in the festivities. As part of the celebrations, a giant kite has been installed at Liberty Chowk, symbolizing the festival’s cultural revival.

Clarifying the scope of the celebrations, CM Maryam Nawaz stated that kite flying will be allowed only in Lahore during the three-day festival. Addressing an event at the Basant control room, she said foolproof security arrangements had been put in place, supported by a robust monitoring system to ensure public safety.

Although kite flying will remain restricted to Lahore, the Punjab cabinet has allowed the manufacturing of kite-flying material in Lahore as well as in four other districts — Faisalabad, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Multan — to meet demand.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Lahore’s weather during Basant is expected to remain cold and dry on February 6 and 7, with partly cloudy conditions on February 8. Wind speeds of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour are forecast, making conditions suitable for kite flying. 

The Met Office has advised participants to stay clear of electricity wires.

Linking Basant to broader spring celebrations, the chief minister noted that the festival’s revival coincides with Jashn-e-Baharan, marking the return of Lahore’s traditional spring festivities. Streets will be illuminated, music will fill the air, and skies will once again be dotted with colourful kites.

Highlighting her government’s broader agenda, CM Maryam Nawaz said Punjab is progressing in areas such as technology and artificial intelligence, while also providing free heart surgeries for children. She claimed law and order in the province has improved by 70 percent and announced plans to introduce legislation imposing up to 10 years’ imprisonment for stealing, buying, or selling stolen manhole covers.

Historically, Basant has drawn massive crowds to Lahore’s rooftops and public spaces, celebrating the arrival of spring through kites, music, and communal joy.

 Its return marks a significant cultural moment for the city, one that blends tradition, regulation, and renewed public enthusiasm as Lahore reconnects with one of its most cherished festivals.