Once the world capital of the Basant Festival, which celebrated the arrival of spring in an explosion of color, the city of Lahore has seen this tradition banned since 2005 due to deadly incidents related to kite racing. Lahore is now trying to revive this passion while managing the risks.
The Return of « Basant »: A Fragile Political Will
For years, the Punjab government has been weighing the pros and cons of officially reopening the festival.
In 2026, the trend is toward a highly regulated reauthorization.
The idea is to transform what had become a clandestine and dangerous activity into a safe tourist event, capable of generating revenue for the local economy.
The fight against the « death wire » (Manja)
The main obstacle to resuming free flight is the Manja, a wire coated with crushed glass or metal. Designed to cut opponents’ wires during aerial duels, it has become a deadly weapon for motorcyclists and birds.
To allow flights to resume, the Lahore police are now requiring the use of pure cotton wire, without any abrasive coating.
Thousands of motorcyclists in Lahore have installed metal handlebar guards to prevent kite wires from slicing their throats while riding.
Drone Surveillance and High Technology
To monitor densely populated areas like the Walled City, Lahore police are now using thermal imaging drones.
These drones spot kite flyers on rooftops at night or in prohibited areas.
Special units intervene immediately to seize the illegal equipment, because despite the ban, thousands of Lahoris continue to defy the law every weekend.
A Major Economic Issue
The return of kites is also a demand from artisans.
Before the ban, the kite industry supported tens of thousands of families in Lahore.
The current revival hinges on the certification of « authorized manufacturers » who commit to producing only strings and sails that comply with the new safety standards.