After 18 years, Basant — the traditional kite-flying festival — is returning to Punjab under a new legal framework. The provincial government lifted the ban and introduced the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, under which kite-flying is permitted but subject to strict restrictions.
Key regulations include: those under 18 years are prohibited from kite-flying, each kite and kite-seller must be registered via QR code, and kite strings must be non-metal, non-coated, thread-based. Violations carry heavy penalties — a first offence fine of Rs 50,000, rising to Rs 100,000 for repeat offence; more serious infractions (e.g. use of banned strings) can result in 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2 million.
The move aims to resurrect a beloved cultural tradition while addressing the safety concerns that had led to the original ban.