Meta Title
Basant Festival Returns After 25 Years | Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 Approved
Meta Description: Punjab govt officially brings back Basant after 25 years under the Kite Flying Ordinance 2025. Registration, QR codes, fines, age limits, safety rules — complete details here.
Basant Festival Makes a Historic Comeback After 25 Years
After a long wait of nearly two and a half decades, the iconic Basant festival has officially returned to Punjab. The provincial government confirmed the news after promulgating the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, reopening the doors for Pakistan’s most celebrated cultural festival.
The announcement sparked excitement across Lahore and other major cities, where Basant has always been a symbol of joy, color, and cultural identity.
Announcement by Punjab Government and PML-N
The ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), confirmed the development on its official X (Twitter) account with the statement:
“Basant is back after 25 years.”
The news quickly spread across social media, with thousands celebrating the return of a festival deeply tied to Lahore’s cultural heritage.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif Confirms Strict Rules for Basant 2025
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also posted an official announcement on Facebook, highlighting the conditions under which Basant would be allowed.
She stated that:
- Kite-making and kite-selling businesses must complete mandatory registration
- Violations of safety rules may lead to 3–5 years imprisonment
- A heavy fine of Rs 2 million may be imposed on offenders
These rules aim to make the festival safe for all participants while preventing past issues such as the use of dangerous strings.
When Will Basant Be Celebrated?
Traditionally, Basant is celebrated in late January or February, with Lahore becoming the heart of the festival.
The peak of the celebrations generally falls in early February, featuring:
✔ Colorful kites filling the skies
✔ Music, food, and rooftop gatherings
✔ Economic activities worth millions
✔ Tourists from across Pakistan and abroad
With the festival returning, Lahore is expected to see a massive economic and tourism boost.
New Rules Under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025
To ensure safety and maintain control over kite flying activities, the government has introduced strict rules.
Here are the key highlights:
Fines and Penalties
- First violation: Rs50,000 fine
- Second violation: Rs100,000 fine
Repeated violations could lead to legal action and business shutdowns.
Mandatory QR Codes
To track and regulate kite manufacturing:
- Every shop must display a QR code
- Each kite will also have a unique QR code
This step aims to prevent illegal and unsafe manufacturing.
Age Limit
- Individuals under 18 years are strictly prohibited from flying kites
This rule is designed to reduce risk for minors and promote responsible participation.
Economic Impact of Basant 2025
In previous years, Basant generated millions of rupees through:
- Tourism
- Hotels
- Food businesses
- Rooftop rentals
- Kite & string markets
With Basant 2025 officially returning, Punjab’s cultural economy is expected to experience a major boost, especially in Lahore.
Public Reaction: Excitement Mixed With Caution
While thousands have welcomed the revival of Basant, many are also keen to see whether the new safety rules will be properly enforced.
Residents hope that:
- No hazardous string will be used
- Safety regulations will be strict
- Rooftops will be monitored
- The festival remains joyful and secure for all
Punjab Ready to Celebrate the Return of Colorful Skies
With the ordinance now officially in place, preparations have begun across major cities. Shops are ready to resume kite sales under new regulations, and rooftop events are expected to return stronger than ever.
After 25 long years, Basant is finally set to light up the skies of Lahore and Punjab once again — safely, legally, and brightly.
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Basant 2025, Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, Basant in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz Basant, kite flying rules Punjab, Basant returns Pakistan