After 25 years, kite flying has officially returned to Punjab, with the provincial government issuing a detailed ordinance to allow the celebration of Basant under strict and regulated conditions.
The Punjab government has decided to celebrate the festival in the first week of February, according to official sources. The Home Department has prepared recommendations concerning law and order, which will soon be sent to the chief minister for approval.
The legislation, signed by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, marks the revival of a cultural tradition long awaited by many.
The new law grants conditional permission for kite flying across Punjab. According to the ordinance, Basant celebrations are allowed but only within a framework of strict rules designed to ensure public safety and prevent past tragedies.
The government has emphasized that this controlled revival aims to preserve Punjab’s cultural heritage while protecting citizens.
Stringent penalties for violations
The ordinance outlines heavy penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for anyone violating the kite-flying rules. Offenders can face a minimum of three and a maximum of five years in prison, along with fines of up to Rs2 million.
Authorities have also empowered law enforcement with the right to search suspicious places or homes, and all offences under this law will be non-bailable.
Ban on dangerous strings, age restrictions
Kite flying will be permitted only with thread-based strings, as the use of metal, chemical-coated, or sharp-edged strings is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught using dangerous material faces stringent punishment under the ordinance.
Children under 18 years will not be allowed to fly kites. For minors who violate the law, a Rs50,000 fine will apply for the first offence and Rs100,000 for the second. If the fine is not paid, action will be taken against the father or guardian.
Registration system, QR code tracking
To ensure transparent monitoring, the government has introduced a complete registration system for kite flying. Kite-flying associations will be required to register with the deputy commissioner of each district.
In addition, all shopkeepers selling kites must be officially registered and linked to a QR code, which will also be printed on each kite to identify the seller. Similarly, string makers will also be registered and assigned QR-based identification.
The government will also legally encourage whistleblowers to report violations.
Safety rules for motorcycles
The ordinance also mandates that every motorcycle within the district must follow the specified safety measures during Basant.
This step aims to prevent accidents, especially those historically associated with stray kite strings.
The return of kite flying comes as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s initiative to revive Punjab’s traditional cultural and civilizational festivals, many of which had faded over the past three decades.
The government says the controlled return of Basant represents a balance between cultural celebration and public safety, marking a new chapter for one of Punjab’s most cherished traditions.
Sources in the Punjab government say the festival will be allowed on limited and conditional terms, and the final date will be announced once the Chief Minister signs off on the proposal.
The government has already begun preparations for Basant and is expected to launch an awareness campaign soon to inform the public about the rules and conditions under which the festival will be celebrated.
