Preparations for Basant 2026 are underway in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab. This year, festival enthusiasts may need to spend more as authorities have decided not to regulate kite and string prices.
According to officials, the Lahore district administration will allow kite and dor sellers to set their own rates for Basant 2026. Authorities said market dynamics and limited time before the festival made it difficult to fix prices this season.
Instead of controlling prices, officials will focus on safety. Enforcement teams will monitor the size and material of kites and strings. Only products meeting approved standards will be allowed. This ensures that festivities remain safe while leaving sellers free to price their goods.
Manufacturers expect a small kite, known as a taawa, to sell for Rs150 to Rs180. One-and-a-half taawa may cost between Rs250 and Rs270. A pinna of dor (string) is likely to be priced from Rs2,200 to Rs2,500. Sources say prices may rise further closer to Basant 2026 due to higher demand in the final days of the festival.
Officials also warned that only registered sellers will be allowed to operate. Kites and dor without QR codes will not be permitted. Registered shopkeepers must declare their remaining stock in advance. Authorities assured that safety and regulation measures will be strictly enforced.
The district administration said plans are underway to introduce a formal pricing mechanism for next year. Lessons learned from this season will guide authorities in setting fixed rates for future Basant festivals.
Despite the lack of price caps, authorities stress that public safety remains the top priority. Vendors are expected to comply with all safety standards, while buyers should be prepared for possible price fluctuations.
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Basant 2026 promises to bring color and excitement to Lahore skies, but this year, participants will need to plan carefully for expenses as kite and string costs vary widely.
