Punjab moves Basant to March, plans law on kite flying

The Punjab government has moved Basant 2027 to March, with the provincial cabinet approving March 12, 13 and 14 as the new dates for the kite-flying festival in Lahore, The Express Tribune reported, citing sources. Geo News separately reported that the government plans to allow Basant celebrations across the province in the second week of March, and to legislate for the festival.

A second change of plan

The decision reverses the schedule announced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, under which Basant was to run for 10 days from January 29 to February 7, with a break on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day. She had approved it last month as part of an extended celebration meant to promote Punjab’s cultural heritage and Lahore’s traditional identity. It is the second time the festival’s dates have been changed, the Tribune said.

According to the Tribune, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz sent a summary to the Punjab Home Department proposing the change, and the department forwarded it to the cabinet for approval. The new plan replaces the 10-day programme with three days in March. Neither report gave a reason for the shift.

What the rules will be

Preparations for Basant 2027 are going ahead under a regulatory framework for kite flying, kite manufacturing and sales, and the transport and use of kite string, the Tribune said. The Lahore district administration has said kite flying will be allowed only on the designated festival dates. The restrictions include:

• Banned string: chemical-coated, metallic and sharp kite strings, commonly known as manjha, are prohibited.
• Approved materials: only approved kite sizes and cotton string are permitted.
• Festival days only: flying is allowed on the notified dates and not at other times.

Geo News reported that the provincial government has prepared an administrative plan to allow kite-making at designated locations, and a strategy to control the prices of kites and string. Safety measures and rules on kite flying will be built into a law, sources said. The designated locations and the rules for the celebrations are expected to be announced soon.

A festival returned

Lahore celebrated its first Basant in more than two decades this February after the Punjab government lifted its ban on kite flying, Geo News said. The three-day celebrations were held under strict regulations, with roads and streets lit up and decorated, and rooftop gatherings continuing late into the night. Authorities also introduced a free transport service to help the public.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb called the celebrations a victory for Lahore and Pakistan, and said an even more vibrant Basant would be seen the following year.

The earlier plan for 10 days, announced in September, had been presented by Chief Minister Maryam as a gift for the people of Lahore to mark the start of 2027. Read our report on the original 10-day Basant plan.

Differences between reports

The two reports do not match on the scope. The Tribune described three days of Basant in Lahore, while Geo News said celebrations would be allowed province-wide in the second week of March. Geo News said the designated locations and the rules are expected to be announced soon, which should clarify which cities will take part.

Why it matters

Basant is one of the most popular festivals in Punjab, and the safety rules on kite string are central to it. A law, designated sites and price controls would give the authorities more tools to keep banned string out of circulation, and a shorter festival is easier to police than a 10-day one. The test will be whether the rules are clear in time for kite makers and families to prepare before March.

This article draws on reporting by The Express Tribune and Geo News.