Profit in billions, tragedy in numbers: What Basant brought to Lahore

Lahore’s Basant festival generated up to Rs6 billion in economic activity but ended in tragedy, with four deaths and multiple injuries prompting authorities to reimpose a citywide kite-flying ban.

WEBDESK – MediaBites Editorial

The three-day Basant festival concluded in Lahore after generating an estimated Rs4–6 billion in economic activity, but celebrations were overshadowed by fatal accidents that claimed four lives and injured 11 others.

Authorities had granted limited permission for the traditional kite-flying festival from Feb 6 to 8 within designated areas. As the event ended, officials re-imposed a complete ban on kite flying and on the sale and purchase of kites and string across the city, declaring violations a punishable offense.

According to administration officials, the festival brought a major boost to the local economy. More than Rs2 billion worth of kites and strings were sold, while food businesses, sweets shops and barbecue parties saw heavy demand. The poultry sector also benefited significantly, and transport activity surged as visitors traveled to Lahore from other cities.

City life returned to normal Monday morning, with schools, colleges and offices reopening after three days of celebrations filled with music, rooftop gatherings and traditional “Bo-kata” chants echoing across neighborhoods.

However, festivities turned tragic in several incidents. A 15-year-old boy died after falling from a rooftop, while a television journalist also lost his life after suffering a severe head injury in a fall during kite flying. Two other fatalities were reported in separate accidents, bringing the death toll to four.

Despite the incidents, large crowds, including families, public figures and foreign visitors participated in cultural events held across the city, including performances at Delhi Gate and celebrations at Liberty Chowk.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reviewed security arrangements in a meeting and praised public cooperation but confirmed the kite-flying ban would remain in place after the festival.

The Basant festival ended leaving behind colorful memories and economic gains — along with mourning for lives lost during the celebrations.