The Basant festival is set to return to Lahore from February 6 to 8 after an 18-year break, with the Punjab government implementing strict rules to ensure public safety. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has issued a firm warning against any violations of these regulations.
Basant Festival: Heritage and Safety Focus
During a televised meeting on the festival’s preparations, Maryam Nawaz described Basant as an 800-year-old tradition symbolizing renewal and heritage celebrated worldwide. She announced that this year’s event will be government-sponsored and organized for the first time, emphasizing the importance of safety due to past incidents linked to negligence.
Safety Zones and Regulations
The city of Lahore has been divided into three risk zones: high, medium, and low. Strict rules have been established across these zones to minimize hazards. The traffic police will distribute over one million safety rods free of charge to motorcyclists, identified as particularly vulnerable during the festivities.
Controls on Kite Flying
- Only pinna (twine balls) are permitted; charkhi (spools) are banned.
- Allowed kite strings must be cotton with no more than nine threads; strings containing metal or nylon are prohibited.
- Violations can result in imprisonment from one to five years and fines up to Rs5 million.
- Flying kites before the official festival dates is also punishable by fines and imprisonment.
- Guardians will be held responsible if minors are found violating kite rules.
Authorities have already taken action by arresting individuals for early kite flying, registering 621 cases, confiscating over 27,000 kites, and securing more than 10,000 surety bonds.
Enforcement and Penalties
The Chief Minister stressed that these measures are intended to protect lives rather than punish citizens. Motorcyclists without safety rods in high-risk zones will face fines of Rs2000. Those reporting violations will be rewarded by local authorities.
Transport and Emergency Services
To reduce road accidents, the government will provide free transportation during the festival, including:
- 500 buses operating free of cost
- 6,000 Yango rickshaws and 60,000 Yango rides covering 24 routes
- Free access to Orange Line, Green Line, metro buses, and electric buses
Two control rooms will operate for continuous monitoring, supported by mobile clinics, field hospitals, and alert local medical facilities.
Call for Compliance and Responsible Celebration
Maryam Nawaz urged the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation and to adhere strictly to the rules to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during the Basant festivities.
