PNN: Lahore turned into a vibrant display of colour and celebration on Sunday as the revived Basant kite-flying festival reached its peak, marking the return of a cultural tradition suspended for nearly two decades over safety concerns.
From rooftops and open grounds to parks and narrow streets, thousands of residents and visitors filled the city, flying kites under clear skies while chants of “Bo Kata” echoed across neighbourhoods. Favourable winds kept the festivities alive throughout the day as families and friends gathered to welcome the spring season.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif lauded the public for observing the festival responsibly and complying with safety regulations. In a message on X, she announced that Basant celebrations would be extended until 5:00am on Monday as a reward for disciplined conduct and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The three-day festival, held from February 6 to 8, was organised under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 and the Basant Act, with strict precautions in place to prevent accidents that had previously led to the ban on the event. Glass-coated and metallic strings were prohibited, QR-code registration for kites and strings was made mandatory, police were deployed in sensitive areas, and district administrations remained on high alert. Free public transport was also provided to facilitate movement.
Authorities said the absence of any major untoward incident during the celebrations reflected effective planning and enforcement. Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif joined the festivities in the Walled City along with overseas Pakistanis, while more than 20 international media organisations covered the event, highlighting its cultural and touristic appeal.
The revival of Basant brought a visible economic boost to the city. Kite makers, street vendors, hotels, transport operators and rooftop venue owners reported brisk business as demand surged during the festival days. A specially designed giant kite became a centre of attraction for spectators and social media users alike.
Despite the nationwide atmosphere of mourning following Friday’s suicide bombing at an Islamabad imambargah, the celebrations in Lahore remained peaceful. Kite battles continued late into the night under floodlights, allowing citizens to fully enjoy the festival’s return.
Provincial authorities reported that 900,000 vehicles entered Lahore over the three days of Basant, underscoring the massive public turnout. Alongside this influx, around 1.4 million passengers used government-run transport services over two days, setting a new record for festival mobility in the city.
More than 600,000 passengers travelled free of cost on the Orange Line Metro Train, while the Metrobus carried 278,000 commuters. Speedo feeder buses provided 356,000 free rides, electric bus feeder routes served 30,000 passengers, RTA buses transported 60,000, and Green Electric Buses facilitated 52,000 travellers. In addition, 6,000 Yango rickshaws offered complimentary rides as part of the government’s transport plan.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special video-link meeting to review the arrangements and security measures. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb presented a two-day report, while the home secretary, Lahore commissioner, police, health department, PHA and security officials briefed the meeting.
Expressing satisfaction over the overall management, the chief minister said Sunday marked the final day of the three-day festival and kite flying would be stopped at night. She reiterated that the ban on kite flying would be reimposed after the conclusion of Basant. She appreciated the cooperation of Lahoris and urged citizens to continue observing safety rules on the concluding day.
She said 200 Clinics on Wheels and 21 field hospitals were deployed in key areas, including Liberty and the Walled City, to ensure prompt medical response. She added that the concept of a “Safe Basant” would be extended to other cities in the future.
The main Basant event at Delhi Gate drew large crowds, including members of the diplomatic community and prominent showbiz personalities. Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker attended the festivities and was received by Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Minister Sohaib Bharth were also present.
Other foreign participants included US Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark, Consul General Stetson Sanders, and political officers from the US mission. The guests were treated to traditional Lahori cuisine and cultural performances.
Artists from Karachi and abroad including Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Mohib Mirza, Juggan Kazim, Gauhar Khan and Aamna also joined the celebrations and praised the revival of Basant. They described Lahore and Basant as inseparable and thanked the Punjab government for restoring the festival.
Several celebrities noted that the festival had generated significant economic activity and renewed Lahore’s image as a cultural hub. Guests and artists pledged to promote Lahore’s cultural traditions on international platforms.
As night fell on the final day, kite-flying continued under illuminated skies, bringing the festival to a close with scenes of colour and celebration. Basant 2026 concluded as a symbol of cultural revival, regulated festivity and the return of one of Punjab’s most cherished traditions.