Basant is Lahore’s historic spring kite festival, a citywide celebration of rooftops, colourful kites, music and yellow clothing marking the arrival of spring. It was banned in the mid-2000s on safety grounds after dangerous kite strings and celebratory gunfire caused many deaths and injuries. After around 20 years, the Punjab government lifted the ban under a new kite-flying ordinance and held a regulated three-day Basant in Lahore in early February 2026.
The tradition
For generations, Basant filled Lahore’s skies with kites and its rooftops with music, food and festivity, a beloved symbol of the city’s exuberant culture, centred on the old city, that once drew visitors from around the world.
Current status & safety
The 2026 revival was held under strict rules (traditional cotton string only, designated zones, no aerial firing), but it was still marred by deaths and injuries and has faced legal and court scrutiny, so whether it continues, and on what dates, is uncertain from year to year. Always confirm the current official status before planning around it. If it is held and you attend, do so from a safe, organised rooftop venue, avoid travelling by motorcycle during the festival (kite string is dangerous to riders), and never handle sharp or metallic string.
Experience the spirit
If Basant is officially running for your dates, see our Lahore Basant Tour for a safe, organised rooftop experience. Whether or not the festival runs in a given year, spring is a lovely time to visit, see Lahore in spring, and the old-city culture that gave rise to Basant is alive year-round. We can advise on current festival status and arrange safe viewing if it’s on.