LAHORE – Following a landmark decision by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has formally allowed the celebration of Basant in Lahore under a strict safety regime aimed at protecting human lives.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza has issued an official notification permitting a three-day Basant festival in February 2026 while enforcing comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the city.
According to the notification, Basant will be celebrated on February 6, 7 and 8. To ensure effective regulation, online registration of kite and string manufacturers has been made mandatory. Only registered manufacturers and sellers will be allowed to produce and sell kites and kite string during the festival period.
The notification clearly states that the sale and use of chemical-coated string and charkhis (spools) are strictly prohibited. Kite string will only be permitted in the form of approved panna (plain thread), in line with safety guidelines issued by the district administration.
Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza has also made it mandatory for motorcyclists to install safety wires on their vehicles to prevent injuries caused by stray kite strings. He has warned that a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against the manufacturing, sale or use of deadly kite string, commonly known as khuni dor.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC Lahore said that Basant is an important cultural festival of Lahore and reflects the city’s vibrant traditions. However, he stressed that the protection of human lives remains the government’s top priority.
“No compromise will be made on public safety. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the SOPs,” he said.
The district administration has directed all relevant departments, including police and local authorities, to ensure full implementation of the safety measures to allow citizens to celebrate Basant in a secure and responsible manner.
