Lahore’s new law that prohibits kite flying because it associates traditional kite events with criminal behaviour is debatable. The Punjab administration’s prevention strategy presents a confusing approach by attempting to eliminate cultural traditions while neglecting to eliminate the core elements that threaten public safety.
Lahore’s Basant festival attracted worldwide tourists who promoted travel while celebrating the city’s cultural legacy. Metal-coated strings led to catastrophic accidents prompting the government to impose a total ban instead of creating balanced regulations. Several countries around the world have created designated safe spaces for kite flying while ensuring safety and protecting cultural traditions. Both India and Japan successfully hold festivals celebrating flying kites: India hosts an International Kite Festival and Japan holds its Hamamatsu Festival. Why don’t we follow their example?
The real solution lies in holding string producers accountable rather than levying excessive penalties starting at Rs50,000 against kite enthusiasts and children. Targeting producers instead of banning this traditional custom would create a more equitable and effective approach.
This ban threatens the economic survival of festival workers who build kites and guide tourists through the event. Our national identity and economic stability are at risk when we eliminate Basant from our cultural heritage. A better approach would combine designated kite zones with usage regulations and strict string manufacturing restrictions.
The Punjabi government must reconsider their current approach and develop strategies to ensure public safety and cultural heritage preservation. The answer lies in responsible regulations instead of eliminating recreational fireworks altogether.
Ayesha Fatima
Lahore
