The Punjab government has officially lifted its 25-year ban on kite flying, allowing Basant celebrations to resume under strict new rules. The move came on Wednesday after Punjab Governor Salim Haider signed an ordinance permitting the festival with conditions designed to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Kite flying had been banned across Punjab since 2001 after multiple fatalities caused by chemical- and metal-coated strings. Despite the ban, such dangerous strings continued to circulate, leading to repeated tragedies over the years.
Under the new ordinance, children under 18 are not allowed to fly kites. Parents and guardians will be held responsible if a minor violates the restriction, and fines will apply. The first offence carries a penalty of Rs50,000; the second increases to Rs100,000. Failure to pay will result in action against the guardian.
The ordinance strictly limits kite flying to a string made only from cotton. Using metal or chemically coated strings will lead to severe punishment. In Lahore, offenders may face three to five years in prison and fines of up to Rs2 million.
Authorities have also stressed the need for safety precautions for motorcyclists, who often face the highest risk during Basant.
To regulate the renewed activity, the government has introduced a registration and QR code tracking system. Kite-flying associations must register with the district deputy commissioner. Only registered shopkeepers will be allowed to sell kites, and each seller will be linked to a QR code. Kites themselves will carry QR codes as well, allowing authorities to trace the source of any violation. Manufacturers of kite string will also be registered and assigned QR-based identifiers.
The new ordinance aims to revive Punjab’s cultural tradition of Basant while preventing the dangerous practices that once led to its ban.
