Punjab Allows Kite Material Manufacturing in Four More Districts

The Punjab government on Monday approved the manufacture of permissible kite-flying material in four additional districts as demand surged and prices rose ahead of the Basant festival in Lahore.

Basant will be celebrated in Lahore from February 6 to 8 under strict restrictions, following the Punjab government’s decision to lift the ban on the festival after 18 years. The celebrations will remain limited to the provincial capital. Until now, Lahore was the only district permitted to manufacture approved kite-flying material.

In a February 1 letter addressed to the relevant deputy commissioners, the Punjab Home Department said the provincial cabinet had approved the manufacture of permissible kite-flying material in Faisalabad, Kasur, Multan, and Sheikhupura.

According to the letter, manufacturers must register with their respective deputy commissioners and through the Punjab government’s e-Biz digital portal. The Home Department stated that manufacturers are only allowed to produce permissible kite-flying material.

Under government instructions, only cotton string may be sold for kite-flying during Basant. The manufacture of metallic string and kites exceeding approved sizes remains strictly prohibited.

The code of conduct fixes the size of a 1.5 Tawa Gudda at 40 inches in width and 34 inches in length, while a 4.5 Guddi kite must measure 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length. Authorities will not allow the manufacture or flying of kites larger than these sizes.

The provincial government has also banned the manufacture of kites carrying images of any individual, holy scripture, religious site, national flag, or political party symbol.