Will Basant Resume After Eid in Punjab, Pakistan?

The question of whether Basant will resume after Eid has once again become a topic of public debate in Punjab, especially in Lahore. Basant, the traditional kite-flying festival that celebrates the arrival of spring, holds deep cultural and historical significance in Pakistan. However, due to safety concerns and fatal accidents caused by dangerous kite strings, the festival remained banned for many years.

Background: Why Was Basant Banned?

Basant was banned primarily due to serious safety issues. In the past, chemically treated and metal kite strings caused numerous fatal accidents, particularly among motorcyclists and pedestrians. Hospitals reported several deaths every year during the Basant season, which forced authorities to impose a complete ban.

The ban remained in place for nearly two decades as governments struggled to find a safe way to revive the festival without risking human lives.

Basant Revival in 2026

In 2026, the Punjab government officially allowed Basant celebrations under controlled conditions. The festival was permitted for a limited period of three days in February, before Eid. This marked the first official revival of Basant after many years.

The government made it clear that the revival was experimental and dependent on public behavior, safety compliance, and law enforcement effectiveness.

Official Dates and Timing

Was Basant Scheduled After Eid?

No. Basant was not scheduled after Eid.

The festival was officially allowed before Eid, during early February
Kite flying was permitted only on fixed dates
After those dates, the ban was re-imposed immediately

There has been no official announcement stating that Basant will restart or continue after Eid. Any kite flying outside the permitted dates remains illegal.

Where Was Basant Allowed?

Limited to Lahore

The government restricted Basant celebrations mainly to Lahore, which has historically been the cultural center of the festival. Other cities in Punjab were not allowed to hold Basant celebrations.

Designated Areas

Kite flying was allowed only in:

Selected residential rooftops
Designated parks and open spaces

Unauthorized areas were strictly prohibited to reduce risks and maintain control.

Safety Regulations Introduced by the Government

To prevent past tragedies, the government enforced strict safety rules.

Major Rules Included:

Only registered kite sellers and manufacturers allowed
Use of cotton thread only
Complete ban on metallic, glass-coated, or chemical strings
Mandatory registration and tracking of kites
Kite flying allowed only on approved dates
Heavy fines and imprisonment for violations
Installation of safety wires on motorcycles
Ban on kite flying by minors

These regulations aimed to balance cultural celebration with public safety.

Net Result: What Changed Compared to the Past?

Aspect	Old Basant (Before Ban)	Basant 2026
Celebration Period	Several weeks	Limited to 3 days
Safety Rules	Weak or absent	Strictly enforced
String Type	Often dangerous	Cotton only
Registration	Not required	Mandatory
Locations	Entire city	Restricted areas
Legal Action	Rare	Strict penalties

This comparison shows that the revived Basant is very different from the past.

Why Is There Confusion About Basant After Eid?

Several reasons caused confusion among the public:

Social media rumors about extension after Eid
Public enthusiasm due to cultural attachment
Lack of clarity among some citizens about official dates
Informal kite flying continuing illegally

However, authorities have repeatedly clarified that no Basant celebration is allowed after Eid.

Government’s Position on Basant After Eid

The Punjab government has clearly stated that:

Basant was allowed temporarily
The purpose was to test safety and compliance
Future decisions depend on evaluation reports
No permanent or post-Eid approval has been granted

Officials emphasized that public safety remains the top priority.

Public Reaction

Positive Response

Many citizens welcomed the revival, calling it:

A return of cultural identity
A boost for tourism and local business
A source of joy after years of restriction

Concerns and Criticism

Others expressed concerns such as:

Risk to motorcyclists
Enforcement challenges
Fear of illegal kite strings returning

Public opinion remains divided between celebration and caution.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Cultural Importance

Basant represents spring, color, and tradition
Its revival strengthened cultural heritage
Promoted social gatherings and festivities

Economic Benefits

Boost to kite manufacturing
Increased sales for small vendors
Temporary employment opportunities

However, experts warn that economic gains should not come at the cost of human lives.

Will Basant Be Allowed After Eid in the Future?

At present:

❌ No official approval exists for Basant after Eid
⚠️ Any post-Eid kite flying is illegal
🟢 Future revival depends on safety assessments

If authorities are satisfied with compliance and accident-free celebrations, Basant may be expanded in future years — but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Conclusion

To conclude, Basant will not resume after Eid under the current government policy. The festival was allowed only for a short, controlled period before Eid in 2026, and strict restrictions remain in place afterward.

While the revival brought happiness to many, the government remains cautious due to the tragic history associated with the festival. Any future decision regarding post-Eid Basant celebrations will depend on public responsibility, safety performance, and policy evaluation.

Until an official announcement is made, Basant after Eid remains a rumor, not a reality.