Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Lahore Revives Basant Kite-Flying Festival After 25 Years with Safety Regulations, Boosting Tourism and Cultural Pride in Pakistan Published on
December 31, 2025After a hiatus of 25 years, the Basant festival is making a grand return to Lahore, Pakistan, and the city is buzzing with excitement. Known as the kite-flying festival, Basant is an iconic celebration that marks the arrival of spring in the cultural capital of Pakistan. Following years of prohibition, the Punjab government has lifted the long-standing ban on the festival and is implementing a comprehensive safety framework to ensure the celebrations proceed without the tragic incidents that previously led to its suspension.The revival of Basant is a significant cultural moment for Lahore, a city whose vibrant cultural scene is deeply tied to this annual event. For tourists, this revival offers an exciting opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Lahore while benefiting from a new, safety-conscious approach. The festival, which had been banned for decades due to the dangers posed by hazardous kite-flying practices, will now proceed with strict regulatory measures designed to protect both participants and the public.From February 6 to 8, 2026, kite-flying enthusiasts from across the country and around the world will gather in Lahore for an exhilarating three-day event that promises to fill the skies with a kaleidoscope of colors. The festivities are expected to draw tourists, especially from regions with a strong cultural interest, as Lahore embraces its roots while simultaneously inviting global visitors to experience its celebrated history and cultural pride.The Cultural Significance of Basant in LahoreBasant has been an integral part of Lahore’s cultural fabric for centuries, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the vibrancy of life. The festival is celebrated with passion, featuring not only kite-flying contests but also traditional music, dancing, and street performances that create a festive atmosphere throughout the city. This lively event is an expression of the community’s cultural identity, celebrated by both locals and visitors alike.AdvertisementFor Lahore, the Basant festival holds deep historical significance. It is a time for people to come together, celebrate the changing season, and showcase their talent and creativity in the form of elaborately designed kites. In recent years, the festival has become a symbol of the city’s ability to balance modernity with tradition, attracting tourists from all over the world who want to experience a traditional Pakistani celebration.The revival of Basant signals not only the return of an important cultural event but also the rejuvenation of Lahore’s cultural tourism industry. As the city works to reclaim its position as a hub for cultural tourism, the Basant festival is expected to be a major catalyst in boosting both domestic and international tourism, offering an authentic taste of Pakistani heritage.Advertisement Safety Measures: Ensuring a Safe and Enjoyable Festival for AllWhile the return of Basant has been met with widespread excitement, the Punjab government has made it clear that safety will be a top priority. The tragic incidents that led to the festival’s ban in the past, including injuries and deaths from dangerous kite-flying practices, have prompted authorities to enforce strict safety regulations for the 2026 celebrations.The new regulations will see a complete ban on charkhi (metal-spooled strings), which have been responsible for many accidents due to their sharpness and durability. Instead, kite-flying participants will be required to use pinna strings, a safer alternative that is less likely to cause harm. The use of nylon, plastic, metallic, and chemically coated strings, often referred to as “killer threads,” will also be prohibited. These strings, which can cause severe injuries to people and animals, have been a significant factor in the previous safety concerns associated with the festival.The authorities have also emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards reckless kite-flying and dangerous behaviors. To further enhance safety, public awareness campaigns will be conducted to educat …
