Basant is Lahore’s historic spring kite festival, once a citywide celebration of rooftops, colourful kites, music and yellow clothing marking the arrival of spring. It was officially banned in the mid-2000s on safety grounds (dangerous kite strings caused injuries), and while it remains iconic to Lahore’s identity, large-scale public Basant is currently restricted.
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.
Current status
Citing safety concerns over hazardous kite strings and related deaths, authorities banned Basant in the mid-2000s. There have been periodic discussions about a regulated revival; check current local status, as it can change.
Experience the spirit
Even without the festival, spring is a lovely time to visit — see Lahore in spring — and the old-city culture that gave rise to Basant is very much alive.