LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced that the three-day Basant festival will be celebrated from February 6 to 8, 2026, allowing kite flying across the province with strict safety and regulatory measures in place. This marks a significant moment as the provincial government recently issued an ordinance lifting a 25-year ban on kite flying.
Sources indicate that special QR codes will be issued for both kites and strings, and the festival will be subject to strict rules prohibiting aerial firing and unruly behavior. The Lahore High Court had previously rejected a petition seeking the immediate suspension of the ordinance, directing the government’s lawyer to submit a report on the festival preparations by December 22.
Kite flying was banned in Punjab in 2001 following numerous deaths caused by injuries from chemical- or metal-coated kite strings. However, under the new regulations, kite flying will be allowed only with cotton strings, and severe penalties will be imposed for the use of hazardous materials. Those caught using metal or chemically coated strings in Lahore could face a prison sentence of three to five years and fines up to Rs2 million.
The ordinance also includes provisions to ensure the safety of motorcyclists during the festival. Children under the age of 18 will be prohibited from flying kites, with parents or guardians held responsible if the restriction is violated. The first offense will result in a fine of Rs50,000, with the penalty increasing to Rs100,000 for subsequent offenses. Non-payment of fines will lead to further action against the parent or guardian.
Kite-flying associations must register with the district’s deputy commissioner, and only registered shopkeepers will be allowed to sell kites. Both kites and kite strings will carry QR codes to identify the sellers, and manufacturers of kite strings will also need to register for traceability.
