Kite flying to be allowed for three days as Punjab revives Basant

The Lahore deputy commissioner has issued detailed rules for kite flying and sales as Punjab prepares to officially revive the Basant festival after a 25-year ban.

According to the notification, kite flying will be allowed from February 6 to 8, 2026, while the sale of kites will be permitted between February 1 and February 8. Business owners may begin legal trade from December 30 after completing the required registration process.

The administration has imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing and sale of charkhi (spools), allowing only pinna (rolled) string. A zero-tolerance policy has been announced against the use of nylon, plastic, metallic wire or chemically coated string.

All kite manufacturers and sellers must complete digital registration, and kite and string sizes must remain within prescribed limits.

Motorcycle riders have been directed to install protective safety wires on their bikes to prevent accidents. Children under the age of 18 will not be allowed to fly kites, and parents or guardians will be held responsible for any violations.

Under a provincial ordinance, those found using hazardous string in Lahore could face three to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs2 million. Kite sellers, manufacturers and associations will be registered through QR codes to ensure traceability.