The Lahore district administration has submitted a proposal to the Punjab government to partially revive the Basant Festival, allowing a two-day celebration under tight safety regulations.
According to official sources, the plan suggests hosting the event only in select historic parts of the city, including Shahi Qila, Mochi Gate, Bhaati Gate, and Rang Mahal. The festivities would take place over a weekend to revive Lahore’s cultural tradition of kite flying while ensuring public safety.
The Deputy Commissioner of Lahore has forwarded detailed safety guidelines to the provincial government, outlining preventive measures to avoid accidents that led to the festival’s ban years ago. The recommendations include restricting motorcycles within festival zones, requiring nearby riders to use safety antennas and neck guards, and installing protective nets along major roads.
The proposal further calls for a complete ban on nylon, chemical-coated, and metal strings. Only cotton or starch-based kite strings would be permitted, and every kite and string would need barcode registration for tracking. Authorities plan to take strict legal action against unregistered sellers or anyone violating the guidelines.
The provincial government is currently reviewing the proposal and is expected to make a final decision soon.