Basant returns this March with colourful kites in Lahore skies

Lahore is set to host Basant from March 12 to 14, 2027, with the Punjab government announcing a detailed safety plan for the festival. The authorities have introduced several measures to ensure controlled kite flying and protect citizens during the event.

Kite flying will only be allowed during the designated dates, while flying kites outside the approved period will remain prohibited.

Basant Dates and Preparations Announced

The decision was discussed in a meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, where concerned departments were directed to complete all preparations before the festival.

The Punjab government has placed special focus on safety arrangements, including rooftop inspections, protection of electricity installations and monitoring of authorised kite flying locations.

Rooftop Safety Rules for Kite Flying

Under the announced safety measures, kite flying will not be permitted on unsafe or structurally weak rooftops.

Rooftops being used for kite flying must have:

• Boundary walls and grills at least 3.5 feet high

• Strong and safe structures

Building owners will be responsible for ensuring that rooftops used during Basant meet safety requirements.

The repair of rooftops, parapets and stairways at authorised locations has also been ordered. Owners have been directed to complete these arrangements by December 31.

Inspection of Buildings and Safety Certificates

The Deputy Commissioner has been directed to arrange detailed inspections of old buildings and houses before the festival.

Buildings declared unsafe after inspection will not be allowed for kite flying.

Safety certificates for lifts in buildings will also be mandatory during Basant, while storing inflammable materials on rooftops will be prohibited.

Electricity and Motorcycle Safety Measures

To reduce risks during Basant, electricity-related safety measures have also been included in the plan.

Electricity wires located near rooftops must be properly protected, while Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) will cover installations with safety netting.

LESCO will also remove kites stuck on electricity poles and wires during the festival.

The city traffic police has been directed to install safety rods on more than two million motorcycles before Basant.

Permissions for Kite Manufacturing and Sale

The Deputy Commissioner will issue permissions for the manufacturing, transportation and sale of kites and string during the approved period.

These activities will only be allowed according to the requirements set by the authorities.

Safety Responsibilities During Basant

The government has assigned safety responsibilities to different stakeholders during the festival.

First-aid equipment will be compulsory at authorised locations. The Parks and Horticulture Authority will remove kites trapped in trees.

Parents and guardians will be responsible for children’s safety, while organisers and building owners will jointly ensure safety arrangements for participants on rooftops.

Officials from the district administration, police and other relevant departments will inspect locations being used for kite flying.

Legal Action for Violations

Authorities have warned of strict action against violations of Basant rules.

The Deputy Commissioner will have the authority to seal buildings where government instructions or laws are violated.

Building owners and organisers will be held responsible for any accident, injury, death or legal violation during the event.

Flying kites outside the approved period can result in:

• Up to five years imprisonment

• Fine up to Rs2 million

Unauthorised manufacturing, transportation or sale of kites and string can lead to:

• Up to seven years imprisonment

• Fine up to Rs5 million

Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025

The Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025 provides the legal framework for controlled kite flying and related activities across the province.

The government has urged citizens to follow safety instructions and prioritise human life during the festival.

Citizens can report unsafe, illegal or inappropriate activities through Emergency Helpline 15.

Key Details

Basant 2027 will be held under strict safety guidelines, with authorities focusing on controlled kite flying, public protection and enforcement of regulations during the festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will Basant 2027 be held in Lahore?

Basant 2027 will be held in Lahore from March 12 to March 14, 2027.

2. Will kite flying be allowed outside the announced dates?

No. Kite flying will remain prohibited outside the designated Basant dates.

3. What safety rules apply to rooftops during Basant?

Rooftops used for kite flying must be structurally safe and have boundary walls or grills at least 3.5 feet high.

4. What penalties apply for illegal kite flying?

Illegal kite flying outside the approved period can result in up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs2 million.

5. Which law regulates kite flying activities in Punjab?

The Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025 provides the legal framework for controlled kite flying activities in the province.