Kite festival returns to Lahore after 19 years
The Punjab government has brought back the Basant cultural festival. Celebrated from 5 to 9 February, it enlivened the city, reviving tourism and the local economy. Strict security measures were in place to prevent accidents that led to the 2007 ban, which was also supported by the Muslim clergy. Activists and citizens enthusiastically welcomed the return.
Lahore (AsiaNews) - Nineteen years after the last time, the Punjab government announced the Basant festival, the Punjabi spring festival associated with kite flying. Officially starting on 5 February at 11:50 pm, it ended on 9 February at 5 am. The festival was celebrated only in the city of Lahore, which was enlivened by enthusiasm during the three days and flooded its streets, sharing the joy of Basant 2026.
For the occasion, the Punjab government implemented strict safety regulations to ensure a fun and safe experience. In 2007, the then Pakistan Muslim League (Q) government imposed a ban on Basant due to gunfire in the air in some areas and deaths due to non-compliance with standard operating procedures. But the main reason was the position of the Muslim clergy, who announced a “fatwa” against Basant, associating it with the Hindu community. This was a completely erroneous observation, as Basant is a cultural festival, not a religious one.
The festival includes various events and activities, such as kite flying, concerts and shows. Foreigners from Lahore rented the roofs of buildings in areas such as Mochi Gate and Delhi Gate for private parties and meetings with various celebrities. The government took all possible measures to ensure the safety and rescue of citizens. From 6 to 8 February, trains and buses on the Orange Line metro line ran free of charge; in addition, the government installed safety bars on all motorcycles for safety during the Basant festival.
Over 2,200 registered traders sold kites and strings in Lahore. Participants enjoyed the celebrations alongside many celebrities spotted at events and dances, with singing and drumming adding to the atmosphere of excitement and joy. Basant also transformed the city into an international tourist destination, with hotels almost fully booked for visitors. However, the Punjab government halted the Basant celebrations after the bomb blast in Islamabad on 6 February.
Speaking to AsiaNews, social activist Rojar Randhawa said: "The Basant Festival in Lahore has truly brought colour, joy and cultural spirit back to our city. The celebrations reflect hope, harmony and responsible fun. It was a courageous and admirable move by the Punjab government; festivals like Basant are the lifeblood of social joy and the economy.‘ Randhawa thanked the government for reviving Basant in Lahore and for its commitment to good governance throughout Punjab. ’Initiatives like this strengthen our cultural identity and spread happiness among the people."
"At the same time, it is our collective responsibility to strictly follow all standard operating procedures issued by the government. Let us celebrate Basant in a safe, legal and responsible manner, ensuring the protection of human life, birds and public property. By adhering to safety guidelines, we can keep Basant a joyful festival for all. I hope the government will continue to celebrate Basant every year if citizens follow standard operating procedures,‘ he added.
Activist Kashif Aslam also spoke to AsiaNews: ’The whole of Punjab needs festivals like this, because people are full of frustrations and only social events can erase them.‘ Basant is ’a symbol of coexistence and harmony," he added. ‘This nation had almost forgotten what it meant to breathe freely as a sovereign state. Initiatives like these revive our collective confidence and reaffirm that we are a free nation with a distinct identity. We admire the Punjab government and look forward to the resumption of such activities throughout Pakistan.’
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26/01/2013
10/03/2023 19:45
