Basant Returns to Lahore after 18 Years, Filling Skies with Kites and Celebration
LAHORE — Lahore’s skies came alive once again on February 6 as brightly coloured kites clashed overhead and cries of victory echoed from rooftops, marking the return of the traditional Punjabi Basant festival after an 18-year ban.
The three-day celebration, which heralds the arrival of spring, had been prohibited since 2008 following fatal accidents and injuries caused by stray kite strings, some of which were coated with metal to gain an edge in aerial battles. The ban was lifted in 2025 amid strong public demand, with this year’s festivities officially launched at midnight when Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari flew the first kite.
Families and friends packed rooftops across the Walled City and other neighbourhoods through the night, flying kites, beating drums and shouting “bo-kata” — the triumphant call when an opponent’s string is cut.
For many, the festival’s return was deeply emotional. “Today, when I released the first kite into the air, I felt as if a missing space in my life had finally been filled,” said Abdul Aziz, 57, who describes himself as a lifelong kite-flying enthusiast.
Another veteran flyer, Sharmeen Mehmood, 55, said the thrill peaked during the night, easing slightly by dawn as revellers rested and the wind slowed, though she expected the action to intensify again later.
To address safety concerns, authorities have banned metallic and chemically coated “killer strings.” All kites and strings must carry individual QR codes for traceability, while motorcyclists are required to install safety rods on their bikes to protect against stray threads.
Officials said about 4,600 producers were registered to sell kites and strings. District government spokesperson Haris Ali told Reuters that rooftops hosting 30 or more revellers must also be registered, with dozens declared off-limits following inspections.
The celebrations were partially overshadowed by a suicide bombing in Islamabad on February 6 that killed at least 31 people. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on X that a concert scheduled at Lahore’s Liberty Square on February 7 as part of Basant festivities had been cancelled due to the attack.
Economic boost
Despite the sombre backdrop, Basant has provided a major economic lift, with hotels fully booked and families marking the occasion with large meals. “By our estimates, the kite trade alone has crossed 3 billion rupees ($13 million) by Thursday night,” Ali said.
Demand has surged across sectors. Mian Tariq Javed, president of the Punjab Poultry Association, said poultry consumption rivalled levels seen during Eidul Fitr.
At Mochi Gate, Pakistan’s largest market for kites and strings, supplies quickly ran dry. Vendor Zubair Ahmed said he sold out within two days. “People are coming with cash in hand, asking for strings at any price,” he said. “Unfortunately, I don’t have any left.” (Source: Reuters)
