Basant festival returns to Lahore after 25 years under strict SOPs
2026-02-06 - 05:46
LAHORE: People in Lahore are celebrating the vibrant colours of Basant 2026 under strict SOPs as the three-day festival officially began at midnight. The event is being celebrated officially after 25 years. Punjab’s Information Minister Uzma Bukhari formally inaugurated the Basant celebrations by flying a kite at 12am. The skies over Lahore were soon filled with kites instead of stars. Rooftops echoed with cheers and excitement, while kite flyers and spectators poured onto the streets to watch kites soar and fall. Women played a prominent role in adding to the festive spirit. With henna-adorned hands, colourful outfits and traditional delicacies, they warmly welcomed Basant. Many women were seen flying kites themselves from rooftops, while others celebrated with mehndi, bright attire and home-cooked treats, further enhancing the festival’s charm. Streets and alleys across Lahore are currently decorated with kites. Despite high prices, kites and strings have become scarce across the city. People were also seen rushing to shops for breakfast to maintain their energy. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz also marked the occasion by sharing a video on social media, showing citizens enjoying kite flying as Basant 2026 festivities got underway. Bhatti Gate pic.twitter.com/vw56KpJvvT — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 5, 2026 ‘Everyone is enjoying’: Azma Bukhari Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari, celebrating Basant after a long gap, said that no one is being harassed and everyone is enjoying themselves in their own way. She added that she hopes these celebrations continue peacefully for all three days and remain free from any misfortune. It may be recalled that a public holiday has been declared across Punjab today and tomorrow in connection with the Basant festivities. Meanwhile, separate incidents during Basant celebrations in Lahore have resulted in one person losing their life and five others sustaining injuries. Basant 2026 celebrations in VIDEOS Lahore echoes with”Bo Kaata” chants People reaching Lahore for Basant 2026 celebrations Lahore decorated with colourful lights and kites Basant 2026 SOPs for Lahore Under the announced code of conduct, keeping, selling and displaying the metal, chemical or Nylon glass-coated kite strings remains strictly prohibited. A strict ban is imposed on loud music, DJ sound systems, or any activity that causes noise pollution or disturbs public peace. Complete prohibition of aerial firing and the display of firearms. Any form of misbehaviour, harassment, obscenity, indecent conduct, or activities that disturb neighbors or public peace is prohibited. Buildings used for kite flying must be structurally safe and suitable for the number of people present. Proper safety measures must be ensured to prevent falls from rooftops or elevated places, and electrical danger.