The Punjab government has decided to permit Basant celebrations across the entire province during the second week of March next year. Officials are preparing a detailed plan to regulate kite-making, manage prices of kites and strings, and introduce clear safety rules through new legislation, according to sources.
An administrative framework is already in place. Kite-making will be allowed only at designated locations, while measures will keep the cost of kites and strings under control. The provincial government intends to pass a law that includes safety guidelines and proper rules for kite-flying. The specific locations and complete set of regulations are expected to be announced soon.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had approved a ten-day Basant festival in Lahore scheduled from 29 January to 7 February 2027. This decision came after the festival successfully returned this year. Celebrations will pause for one day on 5 February to mark Kashmir Day. The Chief Minister stated that Basant helps revive Punjab’s historic cultural traditions and instructed authorities to implement the strongest possible safety arrangements.
Lahore hosted its first Basant festival in more than twenty years this February after the government lifted the long-standing ban on kite-flying. The three-day event took place under strict regulations. Streets and roads glowed with lights and decorations, and people gathered on rooftops late into the night. Authorities also provided free transport services to make it easier for the public to join the festivities.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb called the successful celebrations a victory for Lahore and Pakistan. She expressed confidence that next year’s event would be even more vibrant and joyful.
With the new province-wide plan, Basant is set to return as a major cultural occasion for people across Punjab. The combination of regulated kite-making, controlled prices, and legal safety measures aims to ensure the festival remains both traditional and secure for everyone.
