Punjab govt to revive Basant Festival with strict safety measures

The Punjab government has officially begun preparations to celebrate a safe and regulated Basant Festival in Lahore in February 2026, marking a potential revival of the iconic cultural event under strict safety protocols.

Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a high-level committee has been constituted to devise a comprehensive strategy for organizing the festival in a secure and controlled manner.

The committee includes key stakeholders such as officials from the Walled City of Lahore Authority, Lahore Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), as well as representatives from relevant departments and the Kite Flying Association.

According to sources, the provincial government is considering celebrating Basant within the Walled City area over two designated days, bringing back traditional festivities in a historic setting.

To ensure public safety, a proposal is under review to impose a temporary two-day ban on motorcycles during the event, aimed at minimizing the risk of accidents.

Read more: Video of Punjab police officers flying kites amid ban goes viral

Only registered kite vendors—approved by the district administration—will be permitted to sell and purchase kites during the festival. Similarly, individuals involved in the manufacturing of kite string (dor) must obtain prior registration and approval from relevant authorities.

To eliminate the risk of injuries, the use of glass-coated or metallic string will be strictly banned. All kite strings will undergo official inspections and will only be allowed if they fully comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the government.

The revival of Basant under a regulated framework reflects the Punjab government's efforts to strike a balance between cultural preservation and public safety.