Lahore Administration Issues Official Notification for Basant 2026 with Strict Safety Guidelines

Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza has formally issued a notification permitting the celebration of the traditional Basant festival in the district from February 6 to 8, 2026, under stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring public safety.

The three-day event marks a regulated revival of the iconic kite-flying festival, which has been restricted for years due to safety concerns. The conditional permission emphasizes zero tolerance for hazardous materials and mandates compliance from manufacturers, sellers, police, and citizens.

Key provisions in the notification include:

– Kite flying will be allowed exclusively on February 6, 7, and 8, 2026, within Lahore district limits.
– All kite and string manufacturers and sellers must complete digital registration via the e-Biz app and an online portal, activated immediately.
– Sale of kite-flying equipment is restricted to February 1–8, 2026.
– Only cotton-based string in “pana” form is permitted, a complete ban has been imposed on charkhis (reels), as well as nylon, plastic, metallic, chemical-coated, or “khuni” (deadly) strings.
– Kite and guddi sizes must not exceed prescribed limits, with violations leading to strict action.
– Motorcyclists are required to install protective safety wires/antennas on their vehicles to prevent injuries from stray strings.
– Police and district officials have been directed to launch a crackdown on prohibited string sales and usage.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza described Basant as a vital cultural festival reflecting Lahore’s vibrant heritage. “It is our responsibility to make it safe,” he said, stressing that protecting human lives is the top priority. “No leniency will be shown toward chemical-coated or deadly strings. Businesses can resume legal operations from December 30, but parents must prevent children from using banned materials.”

The administration has assured full protection to law-abiding citizens while vowing no compromise on enforcement. The measures follow provincial directives to revive the festival responsibly after an long hiatus.