The city administration has asked the Punjab government to allow a two-day, limited Basant Festival in Lahore, subject to strict safety controls.
The proposal recommends holding the event on Saturday and Sunday in Shahi Qila, Mochi Gate, Bhaati Gate, and Rang Mahal only.
| Proposed Area | Proposed Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shahi Qila (Lahore Fort) | Saturday & Sunday | Iconic heritage site for Basant events |
| Mochi Gate | Saturday & Sunday | Historic gate area suitable for community festivities |
| Bhaati Gate | Saturday & Sunday | Traditional cultural hub |
| Rang Mahal | Saturday & Sunday | Landmark locality, central for kite flying activities |
Additionally the proposal includes key safeguards include a ban on motorcycles inside festival zones and mandatory safety antennas and neck guards for riders in surrounding areas.
Moreover, the plan also suggests safety nets and wire protection along major roads to prevent injuries from stray kite strings.
| Lahore administration proposal | Details / Materials | Monitoring & Enforcement | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kite strings: nylon | Nylon (any type) | Sales banned violators face legal action | Linked to severe injuries in past years |
| Kite strings: chemical coated | Glass or chemical coatings | Banned strict action against dealers | Safety hazard to public and riders |
| Kite strings: metal | Metal wire/metallic blends | Banned legal action for possession/sale | High risk of fatal accidents |
| Kite strings: cotton or starch based | Plain cotton or starch treated only | Must comply with barcode registration | Safer alternative permitted during festival |
| Barcode registration (kites & strings) | Unique barcodes on all units | Enables tracking of sales and distribution | Tightens oversight and compliance |
| Unregistered sellers | _ | Strict legal action | Deters illegal trade in prohibited materials |
To curb dangerous materials, the draft imposes a complete ban on nylon, chemical coated, and metal strings; only cotton or starch based thread would be permitted.
All kites and strings would require barcode registration to track sales and distribution, with legal action against unregistered sellers and any use of prohibited materials.
Furthermore, the proposal is under provincial review. A final decision on the restricted celebration will follow official approval.
History of Basant (Kite Flying) in the sub-continent
| Period | Place | Key event |
|---|---|---|
| 5th century BC | China | Mozi is credited with inventing the kite |
| Early spread | Mongolia India Korea Japan | Kite use spreads across Asia |
| 13th century | Yuan China to Europe | Marco Polo observes kites and carries the idea to Europe |
| 18th & 20th centuries | Europe/US | Kites gain scientific value later used by the Wright brothers in early aeroplane experiments. |
| Ancient roots | Indian Subcontinent | Basant welcomes spring kite flying added later and merged with the festival. |
| 18th & 19th centuries | Lahore | Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Basant Fair |
