The Punjab government has announced the return of the Basant festival, introducing new safety protocols to ensure a secure celebration.
To prevent accidents and maintain order, a special committee has been set up. This body will coordinate with relevant departments and local communities. One of the proposals under consideration includes a two-day restriction on motorcycle use during the event to minimize the risk of mishaps.
Read more: Kite Association Defies Ban, Announces Basant Celebrations in Rawalpindi
As part of the precautionary steps, kite string manufacturers will be required to register with district authorities to guarantee the use of safe and approved materials.
The decision follows persistent appeals from cultural advocates, the kite-flying community, and business stakeholders. They urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to restore the festival by establishing a formal task force.
Once a hallmark of Punjab’s cultural identity, Basant was widely celebrated in cities like Lahore. The festival not only brought joy to the people but also stimulated the local economy through increased activity in tourism, hospitality, and kite-related businesses. Its cancellation in recent years negatively impacted tourism and dealt a blow to small-scale vendors and artisans dependent on the festivities.
Through this revival initiative, the Punjab government aims to restore the lively spirit of Basant—this time with stricter safety and better planning.
