Kite string incident leaves five-year-old girl injured in Kasur

A five-year-old girl was injured in Kasur district after a metallic kite string struck her throat in the Patoki area.

According to police, the incident occurred in Manawala, Kasur, when the child was travelling on a motorcycle with her uncle and came into contact with a metal-coated kite string, causing injuries to her neck.

Police said that upon receiving information about the incident, action was taken and a kite seller was arrested.

Kite strings and kites were recovered from the suspect, and a case has been registered against him.

Earlier this month, the Punjab government lifted the ban on kite flying and allowed the celebration of Basant with strict regulations after 18 years.

The festival was banned in 2007 because of an increasing number of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp strings, particularly to motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as by celebratory gunfire.

Basant Panchami, with ‘panchami’ meaning the fifth day of the lunar month Magh, is a celebration of future crop prosperity, spring, and good luck.

 Historically, in the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh held an annual Basant fair and introduced kite flying as a regular feature.

The association of kite flying with Basant soon became a tradition centred in Lahore, which remains the regional hub of the festival throughout Punjab even today.

However, the festival has also traditionally been celebrated in other parts of Punjab, including Indian Punjab. Over time, the festival began to be celebrated across the country.