Govt Announces SOPs for Basant 2026

The Lahore district administration has announced detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Basant 2026.

According to a formal notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, Basant will be observed from February 6 to February 8 within the district limits. The notification lays out clear SOPs for the administration, police, kite-flying associations, manufacturers, and the general public to ensure public safety.

Under the approved SOPs, kite flying has been granted conditional permission subject to strict safety measures. To regulate the activity, the government has activated an e-Biz app and an online portal for the mandatory registration of kite and kite-string manufacturers.

The SOPs allow registered sellers to trade kites and related equipment from February 1 to February 8. However, the manufacturing and sale of charkhis (spools) has been completely banned.

Only kite string in the form of “panna” will be permitted, while nylon, plastic, metallic wire, chemical-coated, or sharp string will be dealt with under a zero-tolerance policy.

Authorities will take action against anyone exceeding the approved size of kites or kite string. Police and district officials have been instructed to conduct a strict crackdown on sellers of prohibited strings.

Additionally, as part of the SOPs, motorcyclists will be required to install safety wires on their bikes before the festival to prevent accidents.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza stated that Basant is a key cultural festival of Lahore, but its celebration must be safe and regulated. He said businesses may begin lawful Basant-related activities from December 30, adding that the use of bloody string or chemical coatings will not be tolerated under any circumstances.