Punjab announces new restrictions on Basant festival 2026

2026-01-27 - 08:04

LAHORE – The Punjab government has imposed various restrictions under Section 144 to prevent provocations during the Basant festival 2026. According to a notification issued by the Punjab government, the restrictions aim to maintain religious harmony and public order during the festival. The notification states that the manufacturing, sale, and use of kites with images of sacred texts, religious sites, any political party flags, or political and religious symbols will be prohibited for 30 days. The notification also allows the use of non-printed, single-colored, or multi-colored kites and “gudas” during Basant. Any violation involving the production, transportation, storage, sale, or use of prohibited kites will be punishable by law. The Punjab government’s notification further highlighted concerns about the potential use of religious or political symbols during Basant, and thus the authorities have ordered immediate enforcement of these measures under Section 144. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take strict action against violators. On the other hand, the spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department stated that the government has granted conditional permission for the Basant festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8. The permission was granted as a recreational festival, but the spokesperson emphasized that no violations of law would be tolerated. The spokesperson added that restrictions had been placed to preserve public order and respect for religious sentiments. A complete ban has been imposed on the use of metal wire, nylon, or glass-coated string, and the production, transportation, storage, sale, or use of dangerous kites and strings is prohibited. According to the spokesperson, violators of the regulations before the designated dates could face up to 5 years of imprisonment and fines of up to Rs2 million. Those involved in the production or sale of prohibited materials could face up to 7 years in prison and fines of up to Rs5 million.