Basant 2026 begins in Pakistan as Lahore’s skies fill with kites again tonight
Punjab rolls out controlled revival of iconic spring festival
LAHORE/DUBAI – Basant 2026 begins tonight in Lahore, marking the highly anticipated return of Pakistani Punjab’s historic spring festival after nearly two decades.
From 6 to 8 February, the provincial capital is set to witness kite-filled skies, cultural celebrations and large public gatherings under an extensive government safety and regulatory framework. Authorities expect millions to take part, including overseas Pakistanis and visitors from abroad, turning the city into the focal point of Pakistan’s spring festivities.
The Punjab government has formally allowed the festival through the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, introducing a controlled revival aimed at balancing cultural celebration with strict public safety enforcement. Lahore is the only district where kite flying has been permitted during this pilot phase.
Basant 2026
The Lahore deputy commissioner issued the official notification permitting Basant celebrations from February 6 to 8. Kite manufacturing has been allowed since December 30, 2025, while sale of kites and strings to the public has been regulated from February 1 through government-authorised dealers only.
Every approved kite string, known as pinna, carries a QR code, enabling authorities to trace the product from manufacturer to seller and buyer. Registration of manufacturers and vendors is mandatory through the provincial e-Biz system and the Basant online portal. The use of traditional charkhi spools has been banned, and only approved cotton thread wound into balls is permitted.
Every ‘pinna’ is QR-coded, allowing it to be tracked from the manufacturer to the seller and ultimately to the buyer. All manufacturers are registered with the government and are fully compliant with approved safety regulations and specifications. In view of the increased demand… https://t.co/iU181Oa4b1 pic.twitter.com/1LLcJ0hEWP
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 2, 2026
Section 144 has been imposed to maintain order. Kites carrying religious, political or national imagery are prohibited. Plain multi-colour or single-colour kites without printed symbols are allowed under the notified rules.
Important Public Notice:
— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) February 3, 2026
Under Section 144, religious and political symbols on kites are strictly prohibited.#SafeBasantPK #PhirAaiBasant pic.twitter.com/hLeTwjS03G
Safety measures
Safety remains the centrepiece of Basant’s return. Under the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025, metallic, nylon and chemically coated strings are completely banned. Motorcycle safety rods have been made mandatory across Lahore to reduce the risk of neck injuries from stray string.
Aerial firing and display of weapons are strictly prohibited. Rescue 1122 is on full alert, and hospitals have been directed to ensure specialist staff and emergency supplies are available throughout the festival. Vehicles entering Lahore are being checked to prevent illegal kite material from entering the city.
Rooftop flying requires compliance with local administrative guidelines, while no-fly zones remain in place, particularly around Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Airport alert
The Pakistan Airports Authority has issued a NOTAM warning pilots of heavy kite activity in Lahore airspace until February 8. The advisory highlights potential risks at low altitudes and requires additional operational caution for flights arriving and departing.
Weather outlook
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry and clear conditions during the festival. Light westerly to north-westerly winds between 10 and 15 km/h are expected, creating suitable flying conditions, although caution near power lines and roads has been advised.
Public holidays
The Punjab government has declared public holidays on February 6 and 7, creating a long festival weekend.
As part of the Basant celebrations, free public transport facilities are being provided to facilitate citizens and promote safe, smooth and responsible travel across Lahore from 6 to 8 February 2026. The move aims to reduce congestion and discourage risky motorcycle use during peak festival hours.
Hotels, rooftops and event venues across Lahore are reporting high demand. Market activity linked to kites, food and cultural events has intensified, with Basant also positioned as a heritage revival under the provincial cultural agenda.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described Basant as a carefully regulated cultural celebration, with a central event planned at Liberty Chowk. Senior provincial leaders have linked the festival’s revival to broader efforts to restore traditional events in Punjab, including Jashn-e-Baharan and Mela Chiraghan.
Authorities state that the festival is being closely monitored through a dedicated control system, with future expansion to other cities dependent on safety outcomes during this three-day pilot.