CM Maryam announces 3-day Basant festival in March 2027 after ‘successful’ return last year

The Punjab government, in May, unveiled a new set of rules and regulations for kite-flying during next year’s Basant festival. At the time, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari had said that the festival would be celebrated in February 2027.

According to the new rules, running, jumping and hanging over the edges on rooftops have been completely banned. The rules also prohibit the “overcrowding of rooftops”, adding that the “number of persons present on a rooftop at any time shall not exceed its safe load-bearing capacity”.

Meanwhile, the rules also hold the organisers of events responsible for managing the size of the crowd. The new rules also prohibit the “use of loud music, DJ systems, high-decibel sound systems, or any other activity causing noise pollution or disturbance to public order and tranquillity”.

To maintain public decorum, the new rules have banned any act “causing nuisance, harassment, obscenity, indecent behaviour, or disturbance to neighbours or the general public”. Under the rules, such acts will be considered an offence under Sections 290, 292-A and 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code

What happened

The new rules also mandate the availability of first aid kits and access to them at all premises where kite-flying activities are organised. Under the rules, in case of accidents or violations, building owners and event organisers will be held individually and jointly responsible.

Basant Panchami, with ‘panchami’ meaning the fifth day of the lunar month Magh, is a celebration of future crop prosperity, spring, and good luck.

Historically, in the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh held an annual Basant fair and introduced kite flying as a regular feature. The association of kite flying with Basant soon became a tradition centred in Lahore. It remains the regional hub of the festival throughout Punjab even today.

However, the festival has additionally traditionally been celebrated in other parts of Punjab, including Indian Punjab. Over time, the festival began to be celebrated nationwide. During the festival, the city sky is filled with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes flown from rooftops.