Basant festival concludes in Lahore after three days of celebrations 

Lahore (Web Desk): Lahore’s skies and streets returned to routine life as the three-day Basant celebrations came to a close, ending a long pause of more than two decades since the festival was last officially held.

The city spent days wrapped in colour, music, food and festivity, with residents embracing the revival of a tradition deeply rooted in Lahore’s cultural identity.

People from every age group — children, youth, adults and senior citizens — joined in the celebrations, climbing rooftops with kites and taking part in spirited kite-flying contests.

As vibrant kites filled the air, the familiar shouts of “bo-kata” rang out across neighbourhoods, capturing the unmistakable Basant atmosphere.

On the third day, pleasant weather further boosted the mood, drawing crowds to rooftops across the city as the skyline turned into a patchwork of moving colours.

The festival made its official comeback on February 6 after the Punjab government lifted a ban that had remained in place for over 20 years due to deaths and injuries linked to dangerous kite strings and celebratory gunfire.

This year’s event, organised under strict regulations and later extended until 5am on Monday, brought a festive glow to the provincial capital. Roads and streets were decorated with lights, while rooftop gatherings continued late into the night.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the smooth and peaceful conduct of Basant as a success for both Lahore and Pakistan, adding that an even bigger and brighter Basant would be seen next year.

She noted that the chief minister had taken a difficult decision to revive the festival and ensured strict supervision throughout the celebrations.

Sharing details of the arrangements, Aurangzeb said kite and string manufacturers in Lahore were formally registered, safety rods were installed on 1.4 million motorcycles, and free transport was provided through 512 buses.
She said nearly two million people benefited from the transport service over the three days, while around one million vehicles entered Punjab during the period

She added that the district administration delivered strong performance in line with the chief minister’s vision.
On the final day, candles symbolising peace were released into the sky.

Provincial Minister Azma Bukhari said the candles of hope signified that Basant’s happiness would return next year as well, adding that the people of Lahore protected their culture and heritage by strictly following SOPs.

Earlier on Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the celebrations would continue until 5am on Monday, calling it a reward for the citizens of Lahore for celebrating Basant with discipline and adhering to all safety standard operating procedures. In a post on X, she praised residents for maintaining order and responsibility during the festivities.

Commending the public, the chief minister said the idea of a joyful yet safe Basant had been fully embraced. “I am happy that the people of Lahore upheld the trust we placed in them,” she said, adding that except for the approved kite size, no complaints were received regarding banned strings.

The Punjab CM further stated that this model would be implemented in other cities as well. Stressing the need for caution on the final day, she said that 200 clinics on wheels and 21 field hospitals had been established across Lahore.

The three-day Basant festival concluded with enthusiastic participation from people belonging to all walks of life.