Lahore witnessed a rare and joyful sight this weekend as Basant celebrations returned after decades. The city came alive with kite-flying, music, food, and family gatherings. Rooftops across Lahore filled with soaring kites as the familiar cry of “bo-kata” echoed once again.
Residents welcomed a long weekend with visible excitement. From midnight onwards, people slipped into festival mode. The three-day celebrations began on February 6. The skyline soon turned colorful, while streets glowed under lights and decorations. Despite the festive mood, strict order and safety measures remained in place.
Major roads, underpasses, and public areas were decorated with buntings and large kite installations. Markets stayed busy late into the night. Areas like Mochi Gate, Delhi Gate, Shah Alam Market, and Anarkali saw heavy crowds. People purchased kites, spools, fairy lights, and rooftop decorations. Many paid higher prices to fully enjoy the occasion.
This year’s Basant is being observed under strong safety regulations. The Punjab Home Department declared February 6 to 8 as “Safe Basant.” Section 144 has been enforced across the city. Metallic and nylon strings are strictly banned. Motorcycle safety rods are mandatory, and emergency services remain on high alert.
Over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed throughout Lahore. Checkpoints, surveillance teams, and rapid response units are active. Authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward violations.
The atmosphere became more lively when Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made a surprise visit. She appeared at Liberty Chowk and later at Mochi Gate. She interacted freely with citizens, posed for selfies, and greeted children dressed in yellow. She even paused to bless an infant, drawing smiles from the crowd.
The chief minister addressed safety concerns on the spot. She stopped a biker without a safety rod and explained its importance. She clarified that motorcycles were not banned during Basant, but vehicles without safety rods would be impounded. She said public happiness mattered deeply to her.
Across Lahore, rooftops turned into glowing terraces. Families gathered around barbecues while music played late into the night. Younger generations experienced the festival for the first time. Meanwhile, salons and clothing shops reported a sharp rise in customers.
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Many citizens and the Kite Flying Association praised the festival’s return. They believe the celebration has created strong public goodwill, making any future ban difficult to justify.
