Standard operating procedures in place to balance cultural revival and public safety as Basant will be celebrated from February 6 to 8.
The Lahore district administration formally approved the conditional revival of Basant in 2026, which will allow kite flying under a comprehensive set of safety norms aimed at protecting lives while restoring one of the city’s most famous cultural traditions.
Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza issued a notification allowing Basant celebrations within the district limits scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8. The move marks a significant policy change after years of restrictions, and authorities emphasized that the festival will be held under strict enforcement of safety laws and regulatory oversight.
According to the notification, kite flying will be allowed exclusively on the three designated days, while the manufacture, trade and sale of approved kite flying material will be regulated through a mandatory registration system. Manufacturers, traders and sellers need to complete the digital registration through the e-Biz app or the official basant.punjab.gov.pk portal, and the registration process is already underway.
The administration specified that the production and trade of kite flying materials will be allowed from December 30, 2025 to February 8, 2026. However, retail sales to the public will be restricted from February 1 to 8. Only registered suppliers will be authorized to sell kite flying equipment and all certificates must be prominently displayed on business premises.
Authorities have imposed a ban on reels and all forms of dangerous kite strings, including nylon, plastic, metal wire and chemical- or glass-coated maanjha.
Only cotton thread that meets strict technical specifications will be permitted and must be wound into a round shape known as a ‘pinna’. Each ear cup will carry a unique QR code to ensure traceability and verification.
The notification also defines the permitted dimensions of the kite. A ‘patang’ cannot exceed 35 inches wide and 30 inches long, while a ‘guda’ must be 40 inches wide and 34 inches long.
Read more: Rawalpindi Basant lovers vow to hold event despite strict restrictions
Any deviation from these limits will lead to legal action under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025.
As an additional safety measure, motorcyclists will need to install protective safety cables on their two-wheelers to reduce the risk of injury caused by loose threads. Law enforcement agencies and district officials have been ordered to crack down on the sale or use of prohibited materials, with a zero-tolerance policy.
Speaking on the revival, Deputy Commissioner Musa Raza said Basant is a cultural hallmark of Lahore, but emphasized that public safety remains the administration’s top priority.
“Basant is part of Lahore’s heritage. Making it safe is our collective responsibility,” he said, adding that business operators can start legal business activities from Tuesday after completing all registration requirements.
Standard operating procedures have been prepared for district administration officials, police, kite associations and citizens. Kite flying associations wishing to operate during the festival must also register online and meet prescribed criteria, including a minimum membership requirement and a commitment to promote safe practices and public awareness.
Officials said the framework aims to strike a balance between cultural revival and citizen safety. Any individual or company that manufactures, stores, transports or sells unapproved material without registration will face sanctions, seizure of assets and legal proceedings.
With the notification now in place, authorities say preparations are underway to ensure that Basant 2026 is held as a regulated, safe and community-oriented event, restoring a long-silenced tradition and prioritizing the protection of lives and public order.
