Lahore: Lahore's district administration formally approved a three day Basant festival from March 12 to 14, 2027, allowing regulated kite flying while introducing restrictions aimed at preventing accidents and injuries.
The notification, issued on October 23, by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Ali Ijaz, confirms the festival's dates after the provincial government changed its earlier plans.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz previously announced an extended ten day celebration from January 29 to February 7. However, administrative and logistical concerns led the government to revert to the original three day schedule.
The decision follows Basant's return to Lahore in February 2026 after an 18 year suspension.
Under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, district administrations can authorise the festival on specified dates, subject to safety requirements.
The latest notification permits kite flying only from March 12 to 14, with designated areas near Lahore's airport remaining off limits.
These include Nadirabad, Gulshan Ali Colony, Nishat Colony, Bhatta Chowk, parts of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore, Al-Faisal Town, Jorraypul and Tajpura.
The administration also imposed strict controls on kite flying materials. Metallic wire, nylon string, hazardous coated thread and traditional charkhi spools remain prohibited.
Only registered manufacturers and sellers will be allowed to operate, and they must register through the Punjab government's eBiz application.
The sale of approved kite-flying materials to the public will begin on 10 February and continue until March 14, 2027.
Authorities also introduced safety requirements for rooftops and motorcyclists.
According to the Punjab Home Department, rooftops intended for kite flying must have protective boundary walls at least 3.5 feet high. Buildings that fail safety inspections will not be allowed to host activities.
Traffic police are expected to install free protective rods on more than two million motorcycles ahead of the festival.
The restrictions reflect the safety concerns that led to Basant's suspension in 2007, following deaths and injuries associated with hazardous kite strings and other incidents.
