Upcoming Basant wraps Lahore in festive colours

City comes to life as citizens' anticipation builds, festival fever permeates its neighbourhoods

ISLAMABAD:

Zindaan-e-Lahore bursts into life with Basant 2026 as government approval restores the festival's magic, with drum beaters filling the air with rhythm, flower garland and yellow blossom vendors lining the streets, colorful kite designs soaring above, and boys' and girls' shirts glowing in vibrant Basant hues, reflecting the unstoppable festive spirit of the city. With the arrival of Basant 2026, Lahore is wrapped in festive colors as vibrant kites fill the skies and many clothing stores temporarily convert into kite-selling shops, attracting large crowds and constant movement in the markets, local news channels reported. The reports further noted that the revival of Basant has opened up fresh earning opportunities for laborers and daily wage workers, who are actively participating in the seasonal trade and benefiting from the lively Basant business across the city. An elder citizen commented that "It feels wonderful to see Basant returning after so many years, adding, it reminds me of my childhood when the whole city would be alive with kites and music." A middle-aged citizen said, "the markets are buzzing again, and it is great to see families coming out together. Lahore truly feels festive once more." Young adult / Gen Z citizens excitedly commented that "this is the first time I am really experiencing Basant like this. seeing the colorful kites in the sky and the energy in the streets is amazing." A drum beater said, "Basant is back, bringing the rhythm of the city with it. Playing my drum in these crowded streets and seeing everyone dance and cheer is the best feeling, and it's great that the festival is giving us a chance to make a good livelihood while celebrating." While a flower garland vendor said, "Basant has brought a huge surge in business, especially with yellow flowers and gajra flying off the shelves like never before. It is not just about the sales being part of Lahore's colorful celebration and seeing the joy on people's faces makes it truly special," reflecting how the revived festival is spreading joy, culture and economic activity across all sections of the city. On the other hand, shopkeepers reported a record sale of over 400,000 kites so far this year, with high demand for colorful and creatively designed kites of all sizes and shapes. SSP Lahore urged citizens to strictly follow safety SOPs to ensure a safe and joyful festival, reflecting how the revived Basant is spreading cultural vibrancy, economic activity and festive spirit across all sections of the city.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has approved the preparation of permissible kite-making material in Lahore and four other districts, Faisalabad, Kasur, Sheikhupura and Multan ahead of Basant celebrations scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8.According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department on Monday, the approval has been granted under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025. However, the permission to fly kites has been given exclusively for Lahore on the specified dates.The spokesperson said that manufacturers in the four districts, besides Lahore, would be required to register with their respective deputy commissioners and complete online registration through the Punjab government's e-Biz portal. He further added that only registered manufacturers will be allowed to produce kites and kite strings strictly in accordance with the Kite Flying Rules. These manufacturers will be permitted to sell their products only to traders or sellers registered in Lahore.