The three-day festival will continue until February 8. The ban, imposed in 2007 due to deaths and injuries caused by sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire, was lifted through legislation passed last week.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari inaugurated the festival at Delhi Gate in Lahore by flying a kite. She said the long wait had ended and the celebrations had finally begun.
Addressing the gathering, Bokhari said women, children, elderly citizens and men were all participating in Basant peacefully. She expressed hope that the festivities would continue for all three days without any untoward incident.
She earlier stated that the festival was being closely supervised, with law enforcement agencies deployed across Lahore to ensure public safety. According to her, comprehensive conditions have been introduced to prevent any loss of life during the celebrations.
Last week, the Punjab government turned the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, into an act, providing a legal framework for the revival of Basant.
In her Basant message, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that kites had returned to Lahore’s skies after 25 years. She urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, strictly follow safety SOPs and help make the festival safe for everyone.
She also thanked former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for restoring joy and peace to Punjab and Pakistan.
Under the new law, police officers of sub-inspector rank and above have been authorised to conduct searches and make arrests without warrants in cases backed by credible evidence.
As the festival began, Lahore’s night sky was filled with countless kites, replacing stars, while celebrations continued on rooftops across the city. Youngsters gathered in streets to watch kites rise and fall.
Women actively joined the celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere. Many waited on rooftops to fly kites, while others adorned their hands with henna, wore colourful clothes and prepared traditional Basant foods.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also visited Liberty Chowk to review Basant arrangements, interacted with citizens and urged motorcyclists to install safety rods. Residents thanked her for allowing the festival and praised the government’s safety steps.
Special bus services have been introduced on various routes across Lahore for Basant. The Road Transport Authority said the entire city would be covered by these dedicated transport services.
Earlier, the Punjab government finalised arrangements for the safe celebration of Basant from February 6 to 8 and enforced Section 144 to maintain public order and religious harmony.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said several restrictions had been imposed to ensure peace and respect religious sentiments. Kites featuring images or symbols of holy books, religious sites, personalities, political parties or national flags have been completely banned.
However, plain single-coloured or multi-coloured kites without any images are permitted during the festival.
The spokesperson said Basant has been allowed strictly as a recreational event and warned that any violation of the law would not be tolerated.
Under the new law, metallic wire and nylon string are completely prohibited, while the installation of safety rods on motorcycles has been made mandatory during Basant in Lahore.
The Home Department has issued special security instructions to the district administration and police, directing them to strictly enforce all rules and regulations.
Vehicles entering Lahore will undergo strict checking and scanning. Only legally approved kite-flying material will be allowed, while prohibited items will be seized.
The spokesperson added that aerial firing and the display of weapons are strictly banned and that violators will face legal action.
Rescue 1122 has been placed on high alert to respond to emergencies, while all hospitals have been instructed to ensure the availability of specialists, medical staff and essential medicines during the Basant festival.
