Basant to be celebrated in Rawalpindi

Kite association says metal strings, aerial firing will be banned

RAWALPINDI:

The Kite Flying Association Rawalpindi has announced to celebrate Basant on February 9 in Rawalpindi Cantt and on February 16 in Rawalpindi City despite the government ban.

At the same time, the association has also begun preparations for the Basant celebrations. The association has declared that no kite flyer would be allowed to use metallic strings and those who fail to comply will be handed over to the police. It also demanded the police to register cases against wholesale dealers who indulge in illegal manufacturing and sale of metallic string.

It further said the use of metallic string for flying kites was dangerous to human lives and therefore, no one is allowed to use it while flying kites. Moreover, it said in case of violation, strict action would be taken according to the rule of law.

Kite Flying Association of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Vice Chairman Muhammad Iqbal and Joint Secretary Iqar Mehmood said they would no longer accept a ban on celebrating Basant in the garrison city and formally announced the celebration of Basant next year.

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Basant will be celebrated on February 9, 2024, in Rawalpindi Cantt and on February 16, 2024, in Rawalpindi City. They also announced that a special Basant night would be arranged on February 8 which will begin at sunset and continue until 1am while another one will be held on February 15, both before the actual day of Basant to enhance the joy. White-coloured kites will also be flown on the occasion.

In case of rainfall on the said date, Basant will be rescheduled for the next week but it will not be cancelled in any way, they added. Moreover, the association itself has issued strict instructions to all kite flyers to refrain from using metal string and use normal thread only. It also said that they will also provide normal thread strings. Special BBQs will also be arranged on the rooftops of the houses to celebrate the event.

Furthermore, it said aerial flying will also be prohibited only drums will be allowed. It also said it would be unfair if the administration continues to crack down on kite flyers and harass them despite these restrictions by the association.

Sources said the association will be arranging around 3.5 million kites and 1.5 million strings from Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Gujranwala which can be purchased through orders on social media and will be delivered at the doorsteps of kite enthusiasts.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2023.