The Punjab government has officially declared a local holiday in Lahore on February 6 to mark the revival of Basant celebrations, following a recommendation from the district administration. The move aims to allow citizens to fully participate in the traditional festival while ensuring public safety and order across the city.
Sources said the district administration had initially proposed February 5 as a holiday, but the provincial government approved February 6 instead. The announcement has been welcomed by residents eager to celebrate Basant, which has long been associated with kite flying and seasonal festivities in Lahore.
Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner stated that children under the age of 18 will only be permitted to take part in Basant activities in the presence of their families. He emphasised that the government, along with all relevant departments, is committed to providing a secure and peaceful environment for citizens during the celebrations.
In parallel, law enforcement agencies have stepped up operations against the illegal sale and use of kites and chemical-coated strings, which have historically posed serious safety risks. Lahore Police conducted raids in areas including Baghbanpura and Shahdara Town, arresting four suspects and seizing large quantities of banned materials.
According to police officials, two kite dealers, Sohail and Zaheer, were arrested in Baghbanpura, with authorities recovering around 2,000 kites, 20 reels of chemical-coated string, and a pickup vehicle. In Shahdara Town, two more suspects, Faizan and Khalid, were arrested, and 300 kites along with 10 reels of hazardous string were confiscated.
To further enhance safety, authorities have divided Lahore into red, yellow and green zones. Highly sensitive and densely populated areas have been designated red zones with strict restrictions, while moderate-risk areas fall under yellow zones. Green zones have been identified as safer locations for limited celebrations.
Lahore Police confirmed that advanced surveillance measures, including drone cameras, social media monitoring and special control rooms, will be deployed. Officials warned that strict action will be taken against aerial firing, rooftop drinking and other illegal activities during Basant.
