It’s official: Punjab will celebrate Basant this year!

LAHORE: In a buoyant nod to cultural revival, the Punjab government has officially announced limited Basant celebrations for 2025, unveiling the long-awaited Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025.

The move marks a celebratory return of the province’s iconic spring festival, ushering in cautious festivity after years of restrictions.

Under the new ordinance, kite flying will once again grace the skies of Punjab, but with clear rules to ensure safety and order. Kite flying will be allowed only at designated locations, on approved days, and during specified time windows, permissions that will be granted directly by the Deputy Commissioners across the province.

The ordinance empowers DCs to authorise kite flying on an unrestricted scale as long as no hazardous materials are used, ensuring the event remains joyful and accident-free.

In a major shift, the government has repealed both the 2001 Kite Flying Prohibition Ordinance and the 2021 ban, clearing the way for a new regulatory structure that focuses on celebration with responsibility. All actions taken under the previous ordinance have been declared valid, smoothing the transition to the new framework.

The 2025 ordinance introduces strict registration requirements:

• Kite makers, sellers, and kite-flying organisations must register and will receive official licenses.
• Anyone producing or selling kites without registration will face legal action.
• Metal and sharp-edged strings remain strictly prohibited.
• Individuals under 18 will not be allowed to fly kites.

Law enforcement will also play a key role. Police have been granted full powers of search, arrest, and seizure of prohibited materials, and the government may delegate similar authority to other agencies if needed.

The announcement comes against a backdrop of intensive enforcement earlier this year, with around 3,300 cases registered and more than 3,000 people arrested in efforts to promote safe kite flying. Officials say that these numbers highlight the need for a balanced, celebratory, and well-regulated approach.

With Basant preparations now officially underway, Punjab is gearing up for a season of color, excitement, and renewed cultural vibrancy; welcoming back the tradition millions have missed, this time with safety at its heart.