The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has laid out clear plans for the Basant festival in Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026. The event marks the return of the traditional kite-flying celebration after a long break, with a strong focus on safety and public convenience through free transport and strict rules on kites.
Lahore is preparing for three days of Basant celebrations, limited only to the city while the rest of Punjab stays under a complete ban on kite flying. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has stressed that the measures aim to protect lives and let families enjoy the event without past risks.
The government will offer free rides on public transport across Lahore during the festival days. This includes the Metro Bus, Orange Line Train, electric buses, feeder services, and around 6,000 Yango rickshaws. Officials expect this to cover tens of thousands of trips, with some reports mentioning over 60,000 rides on various routes. The step discourages people from using private motorcycles, which have been linked to accidents in previous years.
Key Kite-Flying Rules for Basant 2026
- Only cotton threads with exactly nine strands are allowed.
- Items banned include metallic wires, glass-coated or chemical-treated strings, nylon threads, spinning reels, and any bulletproof or enhanced materials.
- Kites must follow size limits, such as 35×30 inches or 40×34 inches in some guidelines.
- Kite flying is restricted to February 6, 7, and 8 in Lahore only—no earlier or later dates.
Violations can lead to serious penalties, including fines or jail time under the relevant laws. Authorities have warned that enforcement will be firm.
District teams, police, hospitals, and rescue services will stay on high alert throughout the period. The chief minister has called on residents to follow the guidelines closely and celebrate with care for safety and tradition.
Also Read: Punjab Issues Basant Holidays Notification
Maryam Nawaz has described the plan as a way to balance cultural joy with responsibility. She noted that the government’s main goal remains the well-being of citizens, allowing people to take part without danger.
The festival comes amid a long weekend in Punjab, with February 5 as Kashmir Day, February 6 as a provincial holiday for Basant, and the regular weekend following.
