LAHORE: Basant celebrations have taken hold across Lahore, as bright colours, kites and festivity dominate the city despite mounting concerns over rising prices.
Mochi Gate has emerged as the busiest Basant marketplace, drawing large crowds eager to purchase kites and string. Shops remain packed, queues stretch outside, and visitors from distant parts of the city have arrived to buy festival supplies.
The surge of customers has reportedly led to shop windows breaking under pressure, reflecting both the excitement and strain on the market.
Residents say buying kites and string has become increasingly difficult due to inflation. Many expressed surprise at the prices and appealed to authorities to regulate rates.
Buyers said a single taawa kite is selling for about Rs400, while a one and a half taawa kite costs around Rs600. In other parts of the market, one taawa kite is priced between Rs300 and Rs350, while a one and a half taawa kite ranges from Rs400 to Rs450.
The price of string has been a particular concern for young people and families. Two piece pinna is being sold for Rs8,000 to Rs10,000, while a 200 piece string reportedly costs up to Rs12,000.
Despite the high costs, many young residents said they would continue the tradition of kite flying. Some said Basant would be celebrated regardless of inflation, as the enjoyment of the festival outweighs financial considerations.
Preparations are visible across the city, with Basant themed signboards placed along major roads. Organisers are also completing work on what they describe as the largest kite ever made, which is planned to be flown at Liberty Chowk.
The district administration said it is working to finalise all necessary arrangements.
Festive activity has extended from the old city to upscale neighbourhoods, creating what residents describe as a celebratory sky. Barud Khana Haveli has been decorated in Basant colours, songs are being filmed, dupattas are being dyed, and matching jewellery and clothing themed around Basant are seeing strong demand.
Singer Mazhar Rahi has prepared a special Bhangra song for the occasion.
Mian Yousuf Salahuddin said Basant is deeply rooted in the city’s culture, recalling that Allama Iqbal was fond of the festival. He said Iqbal favoured lappu kites and had them specially made.
According to Salahuddin, Basant contributes positively to the local economy, supporting artisans, traders and performers.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the provincial government has established clear rules for the celebrations. She said traffic police have distributed one million safety rods, while electric buses, rickshaws and taxis will provide free transport for three days.
She said an awareness drive is under way to encourage precautionary measures and standard operating procedures, with district authorities ensuring strict enforcement.
Bukhari said special QR codes have been placed on strings, kites and baskets to maintain records of sellers and buyers. Police, district officials and other institutions are working together to enforce regulations.
She urged the public to observe safety measures and mark the festival responsibly.
The minister credited Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for enabling people to celebrate Basant after 25 years, saying full credit for reviving the province’s cultural tradition goes to her.
