In picture: Lahore’s markets and streets come alive for Basant after years

After years of silence, Lahore will cautiously welcome Basant from February 6 to 8 under strict government regulations. Once celebrated across Punjab with colourful kites and rooftop festivities, the festival had been banned in 2007 due to deadly accidents involving gunfire and sharp kite strings.

This year’s revival, guided by the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, limits celebrations to Lahore and enforces strict safety rules on kite materials, rooftop access, and public activities. Basant marks the arrival of spring and retains its traditional spirit of renewal, colour, and community joy.

Markets and streets come alive with colour and festive energy as Basant returns.

Liberty Roundabout is beautifully decorated with a huge kite model ahead of the upcoming Basant festival in the provincial capital. PHOTO: APP

Preparations are underway on Liberty Roundabout ahead of the upcoming Basant festival in the provincial capital. PHOTO: APP

A large number of people are selecting and purchasing the kites to celebrate the upcoming three-day kite flying festival (Basant) at local market in the Provincial Capital. PHOTO: APP

A large number of people purchase kites in connection with the upcoming Basant festival in the provincial capital. PHOTO: APP

A large number of people are selecting and purchasing the kites to celebrate the upcoming three-day kite flying festival (Basant) at local market in the Provincial Capital. PHOTO: APP

Only spacious and structurally sound rooftops have been approved for kite flying. PHOTO: EXPRESS

After receiving official permission from the government, there is a rush of people buying puns and strings in the inner city. PHOTO: NNI

Residents converge in a street in the old city area to buy kites and strings for Basant. Sunday was the first day of permitted sale of the items for the festival scheduled from February 6 to 8. PHOTO: NNI