A giant kite model is displayed in the Liberty Chowk on the eve of Basant celebrations. Photo: NNI
LAHORE:
Punjab and Pakistani kite enthusiasts from across the globe have descended on the provincial metropolis, as Lahore prepares to host a three-day Basant festival today under strict oversight in order to prevent human casualties.
Banned in 2007, successive governments had toyed with the idea of reviving Basant, a quintessentially Lahori kite-flying tradition that later found roots in other major cities as well, but risk consistently outweighed reward, forcing authorities to back away.
The Maryam Nawaz-led provincial government, unencumbered by the political constraints faced by its predecessors, has gone ahead with the risky decision to bring back Basant, turning what had long remained a distant dream for Lahoris into reality.
From ordinances to a barrage of orders issued by the home department and district administration, a slew of measures has been put in place to mitigate risks to human life, particularly those associated with kite flying in general and stray strings in particular.
The measures, which include seeking permissions for large gatherings, regulating inscriptions on kites, restricting areas around airports, and enforcing controlled sales of Basant-related items, have led to a sharp rise in prices. However, this has not dampened enthusiasm for the festival.
Despite prices doubling, and in some cases rising even higher, people were seen lining up outside registered dealers to buy kites and strings of their choosing.
Shops reported shortages of string and related material, triggering massive overpricing, a situation that became so severe that the government was compelled to intervene. Permission was granted on an urgent basis to four other districts — Sheikhupura, Multan, Faisalabad and Kasur — to supply kites and string to Lahore.
Meanwhile, airfares have surged due to a large influx of passengers travelling to Lahore for the event. Many organisers were even struggling to find barbecue chefs. The city itself has been decked out for the occasion, with mammoth kites installed at Liberty Roundabout and other decorative elements put in place to create a festive atmosphere.
The nerve centre of the festival remains the Walled City, where approvals have been granted for around 73 large events. Outside the Walled City, peripheral areas are expected to see colourful kites dotting the skies. Gulberg will also remain a focal point, serving as ground zero for government-organised events.
However, soaring prices have effectively pushed the festival out of reach for the lower-middle class. String balls now cost between Rs6,000 and Rs8,000, climbing as high as Rs22,000 to Rs24,000 per pina, depending on length.
Another concern has been Basant’s Lahore-only revival, which excludes those unable to afford travel and accommodation in the provincial capital.
According to Safe Kite Flying Association spokesperson Advocate Malik Faizan Ahmad, kites and strings worth Rs1 billion have already been sold, with an additional Rs500 million in business expected in the coming days. He termed this a reflection of the genuine public appreciation for the event across Lahore and Punjab.
The government, meanwhile, has left little to chance. Ministers have remained on the ground, monitoring arrangements and addressing issues in real time. Provincial Minister Bilal Yaseen stayed actively engaged to resolve material shortages and concerns over price hikes.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb conducted a detailed late-night visit to the Walled City to review Basant arrangements. Security, traffic management, safety measures and overall administrative preparedness were thoroughly inspected at Mochi Gate and other densely populated localities.
The senior minister personally supervised the enforcement of standard operating procedures, including checks on the size of QR-coded kites in markets, the sale of QR-coded kite strings without spools, and strict compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation of the prescribed code of conduct to ensure a safe Basant was closely monitored.
During the visit, Marriyum Aurangzeb interacted with shopkeepers and citizens, who expressed satisfaction with government measures and warmly welcomed the revival of Basant after 25 years.
On-site instructions were issued to officials from the Home Department, Police, Traffic Police, Transport Department and Rescue 1122. Traffic routes, alternative diversions, security arrangements and all sectoral responsibilities were reviewed in detail to ensure smooth execution.
Speaking on the occasion, Marriyum Aurangzeb said Basant is an identity of Lahore and that the festival has brought smiles to the faces of Lahoris. She added that the entire government machinery is fully mobilised to ensure the event is safe and well organised, while Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif is personally monitoring every arrangement.
She warned that a zero-tolerance policy is being strictly enforced to prevent any untoward incident during Basant, and that violations will invite strict action.
Appealing to citizens to act responsibly, she said that on the chief minister’s directions, 519 buses, 60,000 rickshaws, the Metro Bus and the Orange Line Train are being provided free of cost during the festival.
She advised citizens to avoid bringing motorcycles onto the roads during Basant and to refrain from unnecessary travel, clarifying that motorcycles without safety rods will not be allowed. Riders must either install safety rods or keep their motorcycles at home.
The senior provincial minister further urged residents to secure their rooftops, complete all safety arrangements and ensure that parents prioritise the safety of their children.
