Basant in Lahore to Be Celebrated Officially Again After 25 Years of Ban

Basant was revived in Lahore after 25 years by the Punjab government. This 2025 festival will come with stringent safety regulations and use of digital tracking of the kites. A new ordinance establishes penalties, age, limit, and QR-coded registrations that will bring Basant back on track and safeguard the populace and culture.

Revival of Basant in Lahore 2025

The Punjab government has decided to bring back Basant in Lahore after 25 years. During a high-level meeting led by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, officials cleared a plan for a two-day festival in February across the old walled city. The locations include Shahi Qila, Mochi Gate, Bhati Gate and Rang Mahal.

New Ordinance Sets Rules for Basant

The governor has signed an ordinance that grants conditional permission for kite-flying. The document outlines clear rules for Basant in Lahore, and the penalties are tough. Children under 18 cannot take part. Parents will face charges if minors violate the law.

The ordinance allows only cotton or thread-based string. Metallic, chemical, glass-coated or nylon string carries three to five years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs2 million. Motorcycles entering festival zones must follow safety checks. Authorities can search any suspicious area linked to kite-flying violations.

Digital Tracking Introduced for Basant

The plan for Basant includes QR-coded kites, sellers, and string manufacturers. Only registered sellers can offer kites, and every item will carry a scannable code. Officials will use barcode tracking to monitor compliance during Basant in Lahore.

Controlled Zones and Safety Measures

The city will implement traffic controls, limit motorbike access, and deploy security at festival sites. Violations involving minors are non-bailable. Penalties start at Rs50,000 for the first offense and Rs100,000 for the second.

Basant stayed banned since 2001 and again from 2005 due to fatal incidents. Analysts say the revival may support tourism, small vendors, and cultural identity. The government aims to balance heritage with safety as Basant returns to Lahore in 2025.