Punjab sets registration fees for kite makers ahead of Basant celebrations

The government has finalized registration fees for kite and kite-string manufacturers in Lahore ahead of the Basant festival, under which registered businesses will be allowed to operate.

According to details, kite and string manufacturers will be required to pay a registration fee of Rs1,000.

The Lahore district administration has fixed the registration fee at Rs1,000 for kite and string manufacturers, while the Kite Flying Association will be required to pay Rs5,000.

The district administration stated that kite makers and string manufacturers must submit Form A for registration, while kite associations will be required to complete a separate registration form.

It is pertinent to note that the Punjab government has conditionally allowed citizens to celebrate Basant from February 6 to February 8.

In the past, Basant was an internationally renowned festival in Lahore, celebrated with great enthusiasm by people of all ages.

Children and adults alike participated in kite flying, filling the skies with colorful kites and strings of various designs. However, over time, the involvement of negative elements led to fatal incidents.

Apart from Basant, kite flying in different parts of the country resulted in loss of lives due to the use of chemical-coated strings.

The razor-sharp strings caused numerous deaths, prompting the government to impose a ban on Basant. Even today, official permission to celebrate the festival remains limited and subject to strict conditions.