Basant Returns: Lahore’s Skies Light Up After 25 Years

News Desk 

Islamabad: Shortly after midnight on Thursday, Lahore’s skies filled with colour as Basant was officially celebrated for the first time in more than two decades. 

The Punjab government formally lifted the long-standing ban on kite flying, ushering in a three-day festival running from February 6 to 8, under strict safety regulations.

The ban, imposed over deaths and injuries caused by sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire, was removed last week after the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, was passed into law.

Official Inauguration at Delhi Gate

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari inaugurated the festival at Delhi Gate by flying a kite, declaring the long wait finally over.

“The festival is about to begin,” she said, describing scenes of women, children, the elderly, and men celebrating freely. “No one is disturbing anyone. We pray that these festivities continue for three days without any harm.”

She stressed that Basant was being closely monitored, with law enforcement agencies deployed across Lahore to ensure safety and prevent loss of life.

Celebrate, But Celebrate Safely

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the return of Basant marked a historic moment, noting that kites had returned to Lahore’s skies after 25 years. She urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, strictly follow safety SOPs, and help make the festival safe for everyone.

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She also thanked former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, saying he had helped bring joy and peace back to Punjab and Pakistan.

Later, the chief minister visited Liberty Chowk to review arrangements, spoke with residents, and urged motorcyclists to install mandatory safety rods. Citizens thanked her for allowing Basant and praised the government’s precautionary measures.

Kite-Studded Skies and Rooftop Revelry

As night fell, myriads of kites replaced stars in Lahore’s sky. Rooftops buzzed with activity as families gathered to fly kites, while youngsters thronged streets to watch them soar and fall.

Women played a prominent role in the festivities—many waited eagerly on rooftops, hands decorated with henna, dressed in vibrant colours, and serving traditional Basant treats. The city wore a festive look, echoing memories of a long-lost tradition.

Laws, Limits, and Law Enforcement

Under the new law, police officers of sub-inspector rank and above are authorised to conduct searches and make arrests without warrants when supported by credible evidence.

The Punjab Home Department imposed several restrictions to maintain public order and religious harmony. 

Kites carrying images or symbols of holy books, religious places, personalities, political parties, or national flags are strictly banned. Only plain single- or multi-coloured kites are allowed.

The use of metallic wire and nylon string has been completely prohibited, while safety rods on motorcycles have been made mandatory. 

Aerial firing and the public display of weapons are also banned, with strict legal action promised against violators.

Vehicles entering Lahore are being checked and scanned, with prohibited kite-flying materials confiscated.

Emergency Readiness

Special bus services have been arranged to cover routes across the city during Basant, according to the Road Transport Authority. Section 144 has been enforced to ensure public order throughout the festival.

Rescue 1122 remains on full alert, while hospitals have been directed to ensure the availability of specialists, medical staff, and essential medicines. The Lahore deputy commissioner has also formed quick response teams (QRTs) in every tehsil.

More than 10,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed citywide. Checkpoints have been established in all zones—104 in the Red Zone, 92 in the Yellow Zone, and 72 in the Green Zone.

Police are stationed on rooftops, overhead bridges, underpasses, and entry and exit points. The traffic police have deployed 1,300 personnel, arresting 44 motorcyclists for not installing safety rods and registering cases against them.

Tragedy Amid Celebrations

Despite extensive safety measures, tragedy struck during the celebrations. A 25-year-old man, Ali Rasheed, lost his life after being electrocuted while trying to retrieve a stray kite near the Sikh Canal in Baghbanpura. He reportedly climbed an electric pole and came into contact with live wires.

At least five others were injured in separate kite-related incidents across the city. Shabbir (45) was injured when a kite string became entangled in Gulshan Ravi. 

A young boy, Rafay, was hurt in Defence Phase 5 after a kite string wrapped around him.In Gulshan Ravi, 8-year-old Irsa sustained neck injuries from a kite string.

Abdul Wahid (12) was injured while retrieving a kite in the Lower Mall area. Salman (14) was hurt after attempting to retrieve a kite from a tree.

Rescue teams provided immediate medical assistance and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.

A Festival Reclaimed—With Caution

As Lahore celebrates the revival of Basant after more than 20 years, the festival stands at a crossroads between nostalgia and responsibility. While colourful kites once again dominate the skyline, authorities remain on high alert to ensure that joy does not give way to tragedy.