After a hiatus of 19 years, Lahore has once again witnessed the vibrant revival of its traditional kite festival, Basant. The festival, banned in 2007 due to safety concerns over sharp kite strings and aerial hazards, has returned this year, delighting both local residents and international tourists.
The celebrations stretch from the narrow alleys of Lahore’s Old City to the rooftops of its multi-storey buildings. Thousands of colourful kites now fill the skies, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the excited cheers of festival-goers. Young participants are experiencing the thrill of flying kites for the first time, handling the traditional natai string with care, while older generations demonstrate their time-honoured expertise after nearly two decades of absence.
“I’ve never attended a Basant festival before,” said 25-year-old software engineer Abu Bakar Ahmed. “The joy of seeing hundreds of colourful kites soaring above the city is beyond words.” Meanwhile, Mina Sikandar, a visitor from the United States, noted, “This festival is not just a kite-flying competition; it’s a celebration of social bonds and cultural heritage.”
To ensure the festival remains safe, the Pakistani government and Lahore Police have implemented stringent security measures. The event has been limited to three days, with restrictions on flying large kites. Police operations since early February have confiscated approximately 100,000 kites and 2,000 rolls of hazardous string.
Advanced monitoring tools, including drones and CCTV cameras, have been deployed. Lahore Police DIG Faisal Kamran explained, “CCTV cameras have been installed on rooftops across the city to prevent the use of prohibited strings or firearms.” Additionally, special nets have been fitted on electric wires to prevent short circuits caused by kite strings.
The key security measures are summarised in the table below:
| Security Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Duration Limit | Three-day festival only |
| Large Kite Ban | Prohibition on flying large kites |
| Hazardous String Confiscation | Nearly 2,000 rolls seized |
| Drone & CCTV Monitoring | Surveillance across rooftops and streets |
| Motorcycle Security | Metal rods installed on handlebars |
| Electric Net Installation | Prevents short circuits from kite strings |
Beyond the festivities, Basant has provided a significant boost to Lahore’s economy. Street vendors, restaurants, hotels, and local artisans have all benefitted financially. Festival supporter Yusuf Salahuddin commented, “The sale of kites and the influx of tourists create substantial opportunities for local businesses.”
For Pakistanis, the return of Lahore’s colourful kites represents more than mere entertainment; it symbolizes the triumph of tradition. The festival has successfully blended the joy of multiple generations with enhanced safety measures, marking this year’s Basant as a historic and memorable celebration.