Basant buzz returns to Lahore

Mochi Gate kite market sees Eid-like rush

The long-suppressed excitement of Basant resurfaced in Lahore on Sunday as an unprecedented rush of buyers flooded the city's historic kite and string market at Mochi Gate, following the Punjab government's decision to allow limited kite flying for the first time in nearly two decades.

From early morning, the narrow streets of Mochi Gate were packed with shoppers, creating scenes reminiscent of Eid or Chand Raat. The crowd was so intense that several shopkeepers shut their stores within an hour, saying their stock had sold out almost immediately.

Even after shutters were pulled down, buyers continued to wander through the congested lanes in search of kites and string, underscoring the pent-up demand surrounding the festival's tightly controlled return.

Sunday marked the first day of legal buying and selling under a government-approved window running from February 1 to 8.

Kite flying has been permitted only within Lahore on February 6, 7 and 8 - as authorities move cautiously amid lingering safety concerns.

Buyers complained that prices had surged sharply on the first day of sales. They said kites were selling for Rs250 to Rs500.

The cost of string proved even more prohibitive. According to buyers, one pinna of string was priced around Rs4,000, while one-and-a-half piece climbed to 6,000, prompting frustration among families hoping to take part in the cultural festival.

"This doesn't feel like a festival for everyone anymore," a buyer, Muhammad Hanif, said, noting that many people were limiting purchases or walking away empty-handed.

Traders, however, blamed limited supply and uncertainty over enforcement. Shopkeepers said many sellers were hesitant to stock large quantities due to strict regulations, inspections and the risk of penalties if safety rules were violated. Several said early closures were unavoidable after stock ran out.

The rush at Mochi Gate comes as provincial authorities repeatedly stress that Basant celebrations are restricted to Lahore. A spokesperson for the provincial administration said kite flying and manufacturing remain strictly banned in all other districts of Punjab.

Across the province, district administrations stepped up enforcement and warned that violations could result in heavy fines and legal action.

Officials highlighted that safety planning for Basant is based on a decade of data, leading to the creation of red, yellow, and green zones across Lahore. The Walled City has been designated a red zone, while areas such as Harbanspura fall under yellow zones. Green zones have been identified as low-risk areas.

As part of safety measures, traffic wardens are distributing protective rods among motorcyclists across the city to help prevent injuries from kite strings. Emergency medical camps, mobile clinics, and Rescue 1122 teams will remain operational throughout the festival, and hospitals have been placed on high alert.

Authorities have also taken steps to secure the city's power infrastructure. Special teams from the Lahore Electric Supply Company are on standby to address faults caused by kite strings.