A giant dragon model is displayed in Liberty Chowk on the eve of Basant celebrations. Photo: NNI
LAHORE:
Punjab and Pakistani kite enthusiasts from across the globe have descended on the provincial metropolis as Lahore prepares to host a three-day Basant festival today under strict supervision to prevent human casualties.
Banned in 2007, successive governments had toyed with the idea of reviving Basant, a typical Lahori kite-flying tradition that later found roots in other major cities as well, but consistently risks outweighing the rewards, forcing the authorities to step down.
The Maryam Nawaz-led provincial government, unencumbered by the political constraints faced by its predecessors, has gone ahead with the risky decision to bring back Basant, making what had long been a distant dream for Lahoris a reality.
From executive orders to a flurry of orders issued by the home ministry and the district administration, a number of measures have been put in place to reduce risks to human life, especially those associated with kite flying in general and stray strings in particular.
The measures, which include seeking permits for large gatherings, regulating inscriptions on kites, restricting areas around airports and enforcing controlled sales of Basant-related goods, have led to a sharp rise in prices. However, this has not dampened the enthusiasm for the festival.
Despite prices doubling and in some cases rising even higher, people were seen queuing up outside registered dealers to buy kites and strings of their choice.
Shops reported shortages of cords and related materials, triggering massive overpricing, a situation that became so dire that the government was forced to intervene. Permission was given on an urgent basis to four other districts – Sheikhupura, Multan, Faisalabad and Kasur – to supply kites and string to Lahore.
Meanwhile, air fares have gone up due to a large influx of passengers traveling to Lahore for the event. Many organizers even struggled to find barbecue chefs. The city itself has been decked out for the occasion, with mammoth dragons installed at the Liberty Roundabout and other decorative elements put in place to create a festive atmosphere.
The nerve center of the festival remains the walled city, where approvals have been granted for around 73 major events. Outside the walled city, peripheral areas are expected to see colorful kites dot the sky. Gulberg will also remain a focal point that serves as ground zero for government-organized events.
However, sky-high prices have effectively pushed the festival out of reach for the lower middle class. String balls now cost between Rs6,000 and Rs8,000, rising as high as Rs22,000 to Rs24,000 per pina, depending on the length.
Another concern has been Basant’s Lahore-only revival, which excludes those who cannot afford to travel and stay in the provincial capital.
According to Safe Kite Flying Association spokesperson Advocate Malik Faizan Ahmad, kites and strings worth Rs1 billion have already been sold, with an additional Rs500 million in business expected in the coming days. He termed this as a reflection of the genuine public appreciation of the event across Lahore and Punjab.
Meanwhile, the government has not left much to chance. Ministers have remained on site monitoring schemes and dealing with issues in real time. Provincial Minister Bilal Yaseen remained actively engaged in addressing material shortages and concerns over price increases.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb paid a late night detailed visit to the walled city to review the Basant arrangements. Security, traffic management, security measures and overall administrative preparedness were thoroughly inspected at Mochi Gate and other densely populated localities.
The senior minister personally supervised the enforcement of standard operating procedures, including checking the size of QR-coded kites in markets, sale of QR-coded kite strings without coils and strict adherence to safety regulations.
The implementation of the prescribed code of conduct to ensure a safe Basant was closely monitored.
During the visit, Marriyum Aurangzeb interacted with shopkeepers and citizens who expressed satisfaction with the government measures and warmly welcomed the revival of Basant after 25 years.
On-the-spot instructions were issued to officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police, Traffic Police, Transport Department and Rescue 1122. Traffic routes, alternative diversions, security arrangements and all sectoral responsibilities were reviewed in detail to ensure smooth execution.
Speaking on the occasion, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Basant is an identity of Lahore and the festival has brought smiles to the faces of Lahore. She added that the entire machinery of the government is fully mobilized to ensure that the event is safe and well organized while Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif is personally overseeing every event.
She warned that a zero tolerance policy will be strictly enforced to prevent any untoward incident under Basant and that violations will invite strict action.
Appealing to the citizens to act responsibly, she said that 519 buses, 60,000 rickshaws, the Metro bus and the Orange Line train are being provided free of cost during the festival on the Chief Minister’s directions.
She advised citizens to avoid bringing motorcycles on the roads during Basant and to refrain from unnecessary journeys, clarifying that motorcycles without safety bars will not be allowed. Riders must either install safety bars or keep their motorcycles at home.
The senior provincial minister further urged residents to secure their rooftops, implement all safety measures and ensure that parents prioritize the safety of their children.
