Lahore DC notifies conditions, restrictions for 3-day Basant festival in March

The Lahore deputy commissioner (DC) has formally approved three days of Basant celebrations in the city from March 12 to 14, 2027, and issued detailed rules governing kite-flying, the sale of related materials and safety measures.

The Lahore DC issued a notification, allowing kite-flying during Basant 2027, except in designated restricted areas and subject to the prescribed rules.

The notification states that kite-flying will be permitted from March 12 to 14, 2027, using only materials approved under Schedule I of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules, 2025, and the Punjab Kite Flying Regulations, 2025.

The manufacture of permitted kite-flying materials will be allowed from September 5, 2026, to March 14, 2027, provided the manufacturers hold valid digital registration.

The purchase, transportation and storage of these materials will be permitted from February 1 to March 14, 2027. Sales to the public will be allowed from February 10 to March 14, 2027, but only through registered sellers.

Manufacturers, traders and sellers must register with the deputy commissioner through the government's eBiz application before producing, trading, storing or selling the approved materials.

The notification also sets limits on the size of kites. A patang (kite) must not exceed four-and-a-half githi and must remain within 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length.

A gudda (large kite) must not exceed one-and-a-half tawa, with a maximum width of 40 inches and length of 34 inches.

The notification requires dor (kite string) to be made of cotton and wound in the shape of a pinna. It must contain no more than nine taars (threads), have a count of at least 28 and be coated with maanjha containing glass powder of at least 350 mesh.

The preparation and treatment of kite string and maanjha will be limited to maya (laundry starch), 350-mesh glass powder and rice flour.

The use of any additional chemicals, adhesives, hardeners, abrasive or metallic substances, or strengthening agents is prohibited. The restriction also covers rema tip top, amri powder and other materials with similar properties, whether used alone or mixed with permitted substances.

The DC has prohibited the manufacture, trade, transportation, storage, sale, possession and use of charkhi, sharp maanjha, metallic wire and nylon or plastic dandi.

The ban also covers any other thread coated with sharp maanjha or harmful substances.

Registered manufacturers, traders and sellers must display their valid registration certificates prominently at their approved premises. They must also maintain complete records of their stock, sales and movement of materials and present them to authorised officials whenever required.

Registered kite-flying associations must follow their responsibilities under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Rules, 2025, and coordinate with the DC and authorised officials to ensure that the activity takes place safely.

Motorcyclists in Lahore will have to follow the safety requirements prescribed under Chapter III of the Punjab Kite Flying Regulations, 2025. These include installing safety rods on motorcycles.

They must also comply with the guidelines issued by the Punjab government's secretary and the Home Department under the kite-flying law.

The notification directs government departments, attached departments, agencies and public organisations to support the district administration and police in enforcing the rules and protecting public safety.

The notification identifies restricted zones along aircraft approach and take-off paths where kite-flying will not be allowed during Basant.