LAHORE: The three-day vibrant festival of Basant concluded in Lahore, bringing cheerful scenes of kite flying, music, food and celebration as the city witnessed the return of the historic event after more than two decades.
Children, youngsters, adults and the elderly were seen embracing the spirit of the season, heading to rooftops with kites in hand and engaging in kite-flying contests while chants of “bo-kata” echoed across neighbourhoods as the skies filled with colour.
Lahoris took to rooftops on the third day of the festival, which marked its comeback after the Punjab government lifted a more than two-decade-long ban. With favourable weather, kites dotted the skies above the provincial capital as enthusiasts gathered across Lahore late into the night.
The festival officially returned on February 6 after the provincial government ended the ban imposed following deaths and injuries linked to sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire.
The celebrations — extended until 5am Monday under strict rules — created a festive buzz across the city, with streets decorated with lights and rooftop gatherings continuing for hours.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb termed the successful Basant celebrations a victory for Lahore and Pakistan, adding that an even more vibrant Basant would be held next year. She said the chief minister took a difficult decision and ensured strict oversight.
According to the minister, kite and string manufacturers in Lahore were registered, safety rods were installed on 1.4 million motorcycles, and free transport services were provided through 512 buses.
She said around two million people used the transport facility over three days, while one million vehicles entered Punjab, adding that the district administration performed effectively in line with the chief minister’s vision.
On the final day, candles symbolising peace were released into the air. Provincial Minister Azma Bukhari said the candles of hope would once again bring Basant’s joys next year, adding that Lahoris protected their festival and heritage by following SOPs.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also announced the extension of celebrations until 5am Monday, calling it a reward for the people of Lahore for celebrating Basant with discipline and adhering to safety procedures.
In a post on X, she praised citizens for maintaining order, saying the concept of a happy but safe Basant had been fully adopted. She added that apart from the prescribed kite size, no reports of prohibited kite strings were received, and the model would be adopted in other cities as well.
To ensure safety, authorities established 200 clinics on wheels and 21 field hospitals across Lahore during the festivities.
The three-day Basant festival concluded with participation from people belonging to all walks of life.
However, despite extensive arrangements, incidents were reported during the celebrations. At least three children were injured after kite strings cut their necks, while two people were hurt after falling from rooftops in different areas of Lahore. All were shifted to hospital.
Over the three days, five people reportedly lost their lives in various accidents.