Punjab schedules three-day Basant festival for Feb 6–8, 2026
“Punjab has greenlit a three-day Basant festival in early February under tight safety rules.”
Key points
- Punjab has greenlit a three-day Basant festival in early February under tight safety rules.
- Authorities will track kites and strings via QR codes and ban dangerous materials.
- Courts have asked the government to report on safeguards as preparations move ahead.
LAHORE: The Punjab government announced that Basant will be celebrated across the province from February 6 to 8, 2026, under strict safety rules following an ordinance that lifted a decades-old ban on kite flying. Sources said special QR codes will be issued for kites and string to track sellers and ensure compliance.
Officials said aerial firing and unruly behaviour will be prohibited, with heavy penalties for using hazardous strings. The Lahore High Court recently declined a plea to immediately suspend the ordinance but asked the government to report on preparations later this month.
Under the new framework, only cotton string is allowed. Minors are barred from kite flying, and parents can face fines for violations. Manufacturers and shopkeepers will be required to register, with each sale linked to identifiable QR codes for enforcement.
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