Lahore The Lahore district administration has approved 1,413 sale points for kite flying and related materials ahead of the three-day Basant festival, set to begin on February 6, officials confirmed on Monday. The move is part of ongoing preparations to ensure a safe and regulated celebration.
Teams have been mobilized across the city to monitor the preparation and sale of kite-related materials. So far, 870 kite and string manufacturers, 15 kite flying associations, and 258 traders have completed registration with the administration, according to a statement by District Commissioner Capt (Retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz.
Read: Punjab CM finalises plans for Basant Festival in Lahore
Under the approved regulations, only cotton strings are allowed for sale, while metallic strings and kites exceeding prescribed sizes are strictly prohibited. The code of conduct specifies maximum dimensions for kites: a 1.5 Tawa Gudda may measure 40 inches in width and 34 inches in length, while a 4.5 Guddi Kite can measure up to 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length.
The administration has also set deadlines for preparation and transportation of equipment. Kite flying material can be prepared until January 31, and equipment may be transported between February 1 and 8. Bringing kite equipment from outside Lahore district limits remains prohibited.
The DC urged motorcyclists to install safety rods and take precautions while riding, emphasizing that citizen safety is a top priority. Field teams will continue monitoring the city throughout the festival to prevent the use of banned materials and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Read: Basant 2026: Installation of safety rods on bikes begins in Lahore
The district administration’s efforts aim to combine tradition with safety, providing residents a controlled environment to celebrate Basant while minimizing risks associated with kite flying.