Lahore DC gives formal go-ahead for 3-day Basant festivities in March 2027, outlines conditions and restrictions

The Lahore deputy commissioner has approved the resumption of the three-day Basant festival in the district from March 12-14, 2027, outlining the necessary guidelines and conditions for the celebrations. Basant returned to Lahore after an 18-year absence following the passage of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025, on December 24, 2025.

This legislation allowed deputy commissioners to grant conditional permission for kite flying, which remains banned in Punjab otherwise, in designated areas and on specific days. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had announced the festival's return for March 12-14, 2027. The formal decision was announced by the Lahore DC in a notification, specifying that kite flying would be allowed in Lahore during Basant 2027, excluding designated prohibited zones, subject to certain conditions.

The notification highlighted the manufacturing and trade restrictions for permissible kite flying material, requiring valid digital registration for manufacturers, traders, and sellers. The maximum dimensions for patang (kite) and gudda (large kite) were specified, and there were strict guidelines on the preparation, coating, and processing of the dor (kite string) and maanjha (string coating).

The manufacture, trade, transportation, storage, sale, possession, and use of certain prohibited items, including charkhi (sharp maanjha), metallic wire, nylon dandi, and other injurious materials, were prohibited. Registered kite-flying associations were required to comply with the functions assigned under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules, 2025, and maintain records for inspection by authorized officers.

Motorcyclists in Lahore were also mandated to adhere to safety measures, including the installation of safety rods, as per the Punjab Kite Flying Regulations 2025 and guidelines issued by the Punjab government. Basant would be prohibited in specific areas of Lahore, including aircraft approach paths, Nadirabad, Gulshan Ali Colony, Nishat Colony, Bhatta Chowk, DHA Lahore (blocks R, S, P, and Q), Al-Faisal Town, Jorraypul Canal, Bank Road, and Tajpura.