The Basant festival kicked off in Lahore shortly after midnight on Thursday, marking the end of a more than two-decade ban on kite flying as the Punjab government formally allowed the three-day celebration under strict safety regulations. The festival will continue until February 8.
Lahorion, your city looks absolutely beautiful. ✨
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) February 6, 2026
The ban, imposed in the early 2000s following deaths and injuries caused by sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire, was lifted last week through legislation. The Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, was promulgated into law, providing the legal framework for the revival of Basant.
Bhatti Gate 🪁 pic.twitter.com/vw56KpJvvT
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 5, 2026
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari inaugurated the festival at Delhi Gate by flying a kite. “The wait is finally over. The festival is about to begin,” she said, adding that people from all walks of life were participating freely and peacefully. She stressed that law enforcement agencies were closely monitoring celebrations to ensure public safety.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her Basant message, said kites had returned to Lahore’s skies after 25 years and urged citizens to celebrate responsibly by following safety standard operating procedures (SOPs). She also thanked former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for “bringing joy and peace back to Punjab.”
Accept it or not, but Maryam Nawaz has done an amazing job in Lahore. Pro subscription hai Lahore k paas poore mulk ki
— Ambreeeen.. (@Nostalgicc_A) February 5, 2026
Under the new law, police officers of sub-inspector rank and above are authorised to conduct searches and arrests without warrants based on credible evidence. The use of metallic wire and nylon string has been completely banned, while the installation of safety rods on motorcycles has been made mandatory.
Lahore’s night skies were filled with thousands of kites as festivities spread across rooftops and streets. Women and children actively participated, wearing colourful clothes, applying henna, and enjoying traditional Basant delicacies.
Kites return to the skies of Lahore as Basant comes alive again after 25 years! A celebration of culture, colour, and community! Let’s enjoy the festivities together responsibly, follow all safety SOPs, and make this Basant safe for everyone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0Ysvq2bY4O
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 5, 2026
The Punjab Home Department has enforced Section 144 and imposed restrictions banning aerial firing, weapon display, and kites bearing religious, political or national symbols. Special transport services have been arranged across the city, while Rescue 1122 and hospitals have been placed on high alert to handle emergencies.
Authorities have warned that no violation of the law will be tolerated during the celebrations.
