Basant festival celebrations in Punjab

Following the return of the Basant kite-flying festival to Lahore in February 2026, the Punjab government has announced expanded plans for future celebrations. For January 29 to February 7, 2027, the festival in Lahore will be extended to a 10-day event, including a one-day pause on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day.

Beyond Lahore, the government plans to hold province-wide celebrations in the second week of March 2027. To manage these events, authorities are developing legislation to regulate kite manufacturing, control prices, and restrict kite-making to designated locations.

Safety remains a primary focus. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed officials to prioritize public safety, with Home Secretary Ahmed Javed noting that kite flying will be prohibited from rooftops deemed unsafe. Property owners are required to ensure rooftops have safety walls at least three-and-a-half feet high and address electrical hazards by December 31, 2026. Deputy commissioners have been authorized to inspect older buildings and prohibit kite flying on structures that fail safety assessments.