Basant Fever Grips Lahore: Kite and String Sales Cross Rs 230 Million on Day One

LAHORE – After nearly two decades of silence in the skies, the “City of Gardens” has officially reclaimed its title as the kite-flying capital of the world. On the first day of authorized trading for the 2026 Basant Festival, sales for kites and strings soared past an estimated Rs 150 million for kites alone, with the total trade—including high-end strings crossing Rs 230 million.

A Massive Economic Windfall

According to Malik Faizan, legal advisor for the Kite Flying Association (KFA), the sheer volume of trade has stunned local vendors. On the opening day of sales:

• 400,000 Kites Sold: Enthusiasts cleared out stocks of large “Gudda” and “Tawa” kites.

• 15,000 Spools of String: Sales of high-quality cotton spools contributed nearly Rs 80 million to the total revenue.

• Market Hotspots: Traditional hubs like Mochi Gate, Islampura, Sanda, and Ichhra witnessed massive crowds, with large kites selling for up to Rs 500 and premium string spools fetching as much as Rs 15,000.

Strict Safety Measures in Place

While the city celebrates, the Punjab government is taking no chances. Under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, the festival scheduled for February 6, 7, and 8 is being strictly regulated to avoid the tragedies of the past.

• The “No-Fly” Zones: Kite flying is prohibited in public parks and greenbelts to protect infrastructure.

• Biker Protection: Authorities are distributing 1 million free safety rods for motorcycles to prevent string-related injuries.

• Digital Surveillance: Drones and Safe City cameras are monitoring the Walled City to ensure only cotton threads (up to nine layers) are used, with a total ban on chemical or metallic “manja.”

The Million-Rupee View

The return of Basant has also triggered a real estate frenzy in the Walled City. Rooftop rentals for the three-day event are reportedly being booked for astronomical sums, with some prime locations near the Badshahi Mosque fetching between Rs 2.5 million and Rs 3 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Basant 2026 in Lahore?
Basant 2026 is the officially approved kite-flying festival in Lahore, marking the city’s first regulated Basant celebration in nearly two decades.

2. How much business was generated on the first day of Basant 2026?
On the first day alone, kite sales crossed Rs 150 million, while total trade including string exceeded Rs 230 million.

3. How many kites and strings were sold on day one?
Approximately 400,000 kites and 15,000 spools of cotton string were sold across Lahore’s major markets.

4. Which areas saw the highest Basant sales activity?
Mochi Gate, Islampura, Sanda, and Ichhra emerged as the busiest kite and string trading hubs.

5. What are the prices of kites and strings during Basant 2026?
Large kites sold for up to Rs 500, while premium cotton string spools reached prices as high as Rs 15,000.

6. What safety rules are enforced for Basant 2026?
Only cotton string with up to nine layers is allowed. Chemical, metallic, or glass-coated manja is strictly banned.

7. Where is kite flying prohibited during Basant 2026?
Kite flying is banned in public parks, greenbelts, and other designated no-fly zones to ensure public safety.

8. What measures are being taken to protect motorcyclists?
The Punjab government is distributing one million free safety rods for motorcycles to prevent string-related injuries.

9. How is Basant 2026 being monitored?
Authorities are using drones and Safe City cameras to monitor kite flying and enforce safety regulations in the Walled City.

10. Why have rooftop rentals become so expensive during Basant?
High demand for prime kite-flying views has pushed rooftop rental prices in the Walled City to between Rs 2.5 million and Rs 3 million for three days.