Lahore: Lahore is celebrating the three-day Basant festival with vibrant energy, bringing color, culture, and economic activity back to the city. During the celebrations, sales of kite-flying equipment crossed Rs. 2 billion, reflecting strong public participation.
Following conditional approval from the Punjab government, the cultural festival officially returned to Lahore. Citizens embraced the event with enthusiasm while maintaining discipline and respecting safety regulations.
Throughout the city, the sky remained filled with colorful kites from morning until late at night. The continuous sight of kites symbolized the revival of a long-awaited cultural tradition.
Rooftops across Lahore turned into lively gathering spots for families and friends. Music, laughter, and traditional Basant chants echoed as people celebrated in a festive yet responsible manner.
Local markets experienced heavy footfall as demand for kites, strings, and accessories surged. Traders reported consistent customer interest, which significantly boosted commercial activity during the festival days.
Sheikh Saleem, President of the District Kite Flying Association, stated that kite-flying equipment worth more than Rs 2 billion was sold in Lahore between February 1 and February 7. He highlighted Basant’s positive impact on local livelihoods.
According to Sheikh Saleem, sales during the three main days of Basant alone exceeded Rs 500 million. He noted that issues in manufacturing and distribution caused temporary price increases in the market.
He emphasized that better planning could help stabilize prices in the future. The association urged the government to announce Basant at least three months in advance to ensure smoother supply chains.
Members of the trader community welcomed the successful organization of the festival. They said Basant provided much-needed support to small businesses and home-based workers.
The Kite Flying Association praised the effective enforcement of government safety SOPs. Sheikh Saleem thanked the public for their cooperation, saying responsible behavior ensured a safe and enjoyable celebration.
Residents also expressed satisfaction with the peaceful environment. Many hoped that cultural festivals like Basant would continue to be held responsibly in the coming years.
