The Basant festival 2026 officially making a comeback in Lahore, Punjab, from 6th to 8th February 2026 after nearly two decades of being banned.
The provincial government has allowed kite flying and celebrations under strict safety regulations to revive this traditional spring kite festival.
Basant Festival 2026: Lahore Sets New Record for Crowd & Vehicle Entries
The Basant Festival 2026 in Lahore has seen an unprecedented turnout of people and vehicles, marking a new milestone for the three-day spring celebration.
Officials reported that approximately 900,000 vehicles entered Lahore during the festival, the highest recorded figure for Basant mobility in the city’s history.
Record 900,000 Vehicles Enter Lahore
According to official reports presented in a government briefing, around 900,000 vehicles entered Lahore during the three-day Basant celebrations from 6 to 8 February.
This massive influx reflects overwhelming public enthusiasm for the festival’s long-awaited return after nearly two decades.
Public Transport Usage Hits New High
Alongside the surge in vehicle entries, public transport usage skyrocketed:
- The Orange Line Metro Train carried over 600,000 passengers in two days.
- Metrobus and feeder buses transported more than 278,000 riders.
- Speedo feeders and electric buses added hundreds of thousands of additional journeys.
Officials highlighted that about 1.4 million passengers benefited from free transport on government services during the two days of Basant.
What Is the Basant Festival?
Basant is a centuries-old cultural celebration of spring in Punjab, especially in Lahore, known mostly for kite flying, colourful rooftops, and community gatherings.
Traditionally, locals would spend days flying kites and hosting festive gatherings—a symbol of joy and the arrival of spring.
After years of bans due to safety concerns from dangerous kite strings and accidents, the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025, laid the legal groundwork for Basant’s return with controls on kite materials and flying zones.
Dates & Official Notification
The Basant Festival 2026 has officially declared for February 6, 7, and 8 in Lahore. Kite flying and related celebrations will permitted only within the Lahore district during these three days and only under approved safety protocols.
Authorities have also mandated that kite sellers, manufacturers, and traders register before the event to keep the celebrations safe and traceable.
Kite Flying: Permitted, But With Strict Rules
Under the new festival framework:
- Kite flying will be allowed only during Basant days (Feb 6–8) and within Lahore city limits.
- Kite materials with hazardous strings (metal, chemical-coated, or nylon glass-coated) are strictly banned.
- Only registered sellers can legally sell kites and strings; unregistered sales are illegal.
- Special registration and permits for kite flying on Basant days (Feb 6–8) and within the city limits of Lahore must be obtained before Basant by associations and traders.
- We are arranging free public transport and safety installations to support the celebrations.
The goal is to revive Basant safely, avoiding the accidents and injuries that were common in past years.
Kite Flying Banned Near Lahore Airport
To protect air passengers and aviation safety, authorities have imposed a special ban on kite flying in areas near Allama Iqbal International Airport and its aircraft approach and takeoff paths. (Geo News)
This restriction applies throughout February 6–8, 2026, and affects neighborhoods such as DHA Lahore sectors, Nadirabad, Nishat Colony, Bhatta Chowk, Canal Bank Road, and Tajpura—all considered within the flight-path risk zone.
Violators may face legal action for flying kites in these restricted zones, as the ban aims to ensure uninterrupted air traffic and public safety.
Safety Measures & Enforcement
The Punjab government and Lahore Safe Cities Authority have launched a series of strict safety measures for Basant:
- The Punjab government and Lahore Safe Cities Authority have implemented drone and surveillance camera monitoring throughout Lahore to ensure 24/7 enforcement.
- The Punjab government has established traffic police checkpoints and installed safety rods on motorcycles to prevent accidents.
- The law, known as Section 144, prohibits the use of kites with political or religious prints and other risky activities.
- The 12-point safety code enforces rules against hazardous strings, prohibits aerial firing, mandates safe rooftops, and establishes penalties for violations.
- Hospitals are on high alert for emergencies during festival days.
Police and district officials will patrol rooftops and public areas to ensure compliance with the Kite Flying Act and Basant SOPs.
Cultural Return & Public Excitement
The revival of the Basant festival in Lahore has generated considerable excitement among locals and visitors alike. People are preparing traditional rooftop gatherings, booking large spaces for kite flying, food, and social events.
Vibrant Basant themes—yellow paint, floral designs, and seating arrangements—decorate many registered rooftops,anticipating crowds from across Pakistan and abroad.
What to Expect on Basant Days
- Colourful kites filling Lahore skies
- Regulated kite-flying zones across the city
- Safety enforcement with drones and police patrols
- Family gatherings, food events, and cultural celebrations
- Free public transport and designated vendors
Basant’s controlled comeback aims to keep the essence of tradition alive while prioritising public safety and modern regulatory measures.
Basant Festival 2026 Dates in Lahore
The Basant Festival 2026 in Lahore has been officially scheduled for February 6, 7, and 8, 2026, by the district administration under the Punjab Kite-Flying Act 2025.
These three days mark the first legal return of this traditional kite festival after nearly two decades. Kite flying is allowed only on the specified dates within Lahore city limits.
Basant Festival in Punjab: Rules & Regulations
The Punjab government has introduced strict regulations for Basant 2026, including online registration of kite manufacturers, sellers, and flying associations.
Only registered traders can sell kites and strings; the use of hazardous materials like metal or chemically coated strings is banned, and all materials must be tracked under authorized systems.
Basant Kite Flying Ban Near Lahore Airport
To protect aviation safety, kite flying banned in areas near Allama Iqbal International Airport during the Basant Festival (February 6–8).
This includes neighborhoods under the aircraft take-off and landing paths, such as DHA Lahore Blocks P, Q, R, and S; Bhutta Chowk; Nishat Colony; and Taj Bagh. This restriction ensures no interference with aircraft operations.
Official Basant SOPs & Registration Requirements
Punjab authorities have issued official Basant SOPs and a registration framework mandating certified kite production, sale, and use only from licensed sellers.
The code of conduct prohibits loud music, aerial firing, unsafe rooftops, and any activity that poses danger to participants. Administrators and police have the authority to inspect and enforce compliance citywide.
Basant Kite Sales Surge: Record Spending Ahead of Festival
As Basant 2026 nears, kite and string sales in Lahore have surged massively, reflecting tremendous public enthusiasm for the festival’s return after decades.
According to market officials, the sale of kites, kite string, and related materials has now crossed an estimated 💰 Rs 1.5 billion (150 crore) in total value across the city’s markets.
This figure includes transactions from the early days of sales through the fourth trading day, as buyers stock up for celebrations planned for 6–8 February 2026.
Daily Sales Breakdown & Market Activity
Market insiders report extremely high daily sales volumes:
- During the first few days of the official sales window, the kite and accessories trade saw heavy activity, with hundreds of millions of rupees in daily sales.
- Kite string (panna) and reels have commanded premium prices, sometimes Rs 12,000–15,000 or more per spool due to demand.
These figures and strong market demand show that the Basant Festival 2026 is not just a cultural event but also a significant economic boost for local traders and artisans in Lahore.
Security & Monitoring Measures
To ensure a safe and peaceful Basant Festival:
- More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across Lahore.
- The city is divided into three security zones with drone surveillance and CCTV monitoring.
- Authorities have registered 1,600 cases under the Kite Flying Act for safety violations.
Officials emphasise zero tolerance for unsafe flying practices, and violators face legal action.
Weather Outlook Supports Kite Flying
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts mostly dry weather and light winds during the festival dates. Which are expected to provide ideal conditions for kite flying with minimal rain interruptions.
Where Basant Is Happening
The Basant Festival will celebrated only in the Lahore district—not across the wider Punjab province—in line with the provincial government’s policy for this year’s controlled revival.
Festive Activities Beyond Kite Flying
In addition to flying kites, areas like Lahore Safari Zoo have been decorated with vibrant kite displays and special entry arrangements for Basant visitors. Offering family-friendly entertainment and cultural performances.
Kite Flying Safety Guidelines for Basant 2026
Strict kite-flying safety guidelines are in place to minimise injuries and accidents.
Hazardous strings like metallic or nylon glass-coated twine are banned, motorcycles must have safety rods installed, rooftops must be structurally sound, and kite flying near sensitive installations like airports and power lines is prohibited.
Enforcement includes legal penalties for violations to ensure a safe festival for all.
❓Basant Festival 2026—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When is Basant Festival 2026 in Lahore?
Basant 2026 will be celebrated in Lahore from February 6 to February 8, 2026. Kite flying only permitted during these official festival days within allowed areas.
Q2: Is kite flying allowed everywhere in Lahore?
No. Kite flying restricted in areas near Lahore Airport and other sensitive zones. Only approved areas under government guidelines allowed for flying kites.
Q3: What type of kite string is banned?
Hazardous strings such as metal wire or chemical-coated or glass-coated nylon strings strictly banned because they can cause serious injuries and accidents.
Q4: Do kite sellers need permission?
Yes. All kite manufacturers, sellers, and traders must officially registered with authorities. Selling unregistered or unsafe kite materials is illegal.
Q5: What safety steps should families follow?
Fly kites from safe rooftops, avoid crowded roads, keep children supervised, and stay away from electric wires and airport zones. Motorcyclists should use safety rods to prevent string injuries.
Q6: What happens if someone breaks Basant rules?
Violations can lead to fines, confiscation of materials, or legal action under Punjab’s kite-flying laws and Basant SOPs.