The Punjab government has moved closer to restoring Basant celebrations with a major update to the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2001, introducing stricter registration requirements for manufacturers, sellers, and kite-flying associations.
Under the revised draft, all kite manufacturers, sellers, and associations must register ahead of Basant festivities.
Registration fees have been fixed at Rs. 25,000 for manufacturers, Rs. 15,000 for sellers, and Rs. 50,000 for kite-flying associations, with renewal charges set at Rs. 2,500, Rs. 1,500, and Rs. 5,000, respectively.
Officials emphasized that safety regulations will be strictly enforced, and the use of metallic or glass-coated strings and oversized kites will remain banned, with jail sentences for violations.
Unlike previous years, Basant celebrations will not be confined to the Walled City. New designated areas include Race Course, Model Town, and Jallo Park, while rooftops of major hotels such as Pearl Continental, Avari, and Faletti’s Hotel have also been cleared for kite flying.