LAHORE (MNN); The Lahore deputy commissioner on Monday officially issued a notification outlining strict terms and conditions for celebrating Basant, which will be observed only within Lahore district from February 6 to 8.
The notification does not designate any specific kite-flying zones, indicating that celebrations will be permitted across the district. Deputy commissioners in other districts have been directed to issue similar notifications and ensure enforcement of restrictions under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules 2025.
According to the notification, manufacturing and trading of approved kite-flying material will be allowed from December 30 to February 8, 2026, subject to mandatory digital registration under Rule 3 of the 2025 regulations. The sale of approved material to the general public will be permitted only from February 1 to 8 and exclusively through registered sellers.
Registrations for manufacturers, traders and sellers will open from Monday via the government’s e-biz app or the festival’s official website. The notification strictly bars any manufacturing, storage, trade or sale of kite-flying material without prior registration with the DC’s office.
Only materials listed in Schedule-I of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules 2025 may be produced, sold or used during the approved period. Kites must not exceed 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length, while guddas are restricted to a maximum of 40 inches in width and 34 inches in length.
The kite string must be cotton-based, consisting of no more than nine threads and not less than 28-count, coated with maanjha with a minimum sheesha size of 350 mash. The string may only be wound into pinna balls, while the use of charkhi spools has been completely banned.
The notification strictly prohibits the manufacture, sale, transport, possession or use of nylon, plastic, metallic or sharp strings, or any other hazardous material. Registered sellers must visibly display their registration certificates at approved premises and maintain complete records of stock, sales and movement for inspection by authorised officers.
Registered kite-flying associations have been instructed to coordinate closely with district authorities to ensure safe and orderly celebrations. All motorcycles operating in Lahore have been directed to comply with safety requirements, including the installation of protective safety wires.
Government departments, agencies and police have been tasked with enforcing full compliance with the notification to safeguard public safety. Any violation will result in legal action under relevant kite-flying laws, including cancellation of registration, seizure of material and prosecution.
Kite flying has been allowed in Punjab after an 18-year ban imposed in 2007 due to fatal accidents involving sharp strings. The revival follows consultations led by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif with Basant stakeholders. Despite restrictions, two recent incidents in Lahore and Pattoki have already been reported, in which a young man and a minor girl were injured by stray kite strings.
