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The wait is finally over. Officials have confirmed that the Basant festival will be observed in Lahore from February 6 to February 8, 2026. This announcement marks a major step in the festival’s revival, though it remains subject to strict compliance with new safety guidelines.
Simultaneously, authorities have released a document detailing the exact specifications for permissible kite-flying materials.
Previous coverage by TechJuice indicated that officials considered dates in mid-February or late March. However, the government has now settled on early February. The Deputy Commissioner of Lahore will issue the formal two-day permission following clear directives from provincial authorities.
While the city buzzes with excitement, the government places a heavy emphasis on safety. Consequently, the revival depends entirely on adhering to the newly released technical standards.
Basant: New Limits for Patang & Gudda
To ensure safety, the new notification strictly limits kite sizes. According to the official notification:
- Patang: Must not exceed 35 inches in width and 30 inches in length (4.5 githi).
- Gudda: Must not exceed 40 inches in width and 34 inches in length (1.5 tawa).
These dimensions are legally binding. Any kite exceeding these measurements is prohibited.
The most critical updates concern the “Dor” (string) to prevent accidents. The regulations mandate that Dor must be made of cotton. It must contain not more than nine tars (threads) and be of not less than twenty-eight counts.
Furthermore, the string must include a specific QR code for tracking. The coating, or “maanjha”, requires a sheesha size of 350 mash and above.
Significantly, the storage method has changed. The “Charkhi” (spool) is explicitly marked as Not Allowed. Instead, the string must be wound in the shape of a “Pinna”.
Despite the strict regulations, the response is overwhelmingly positive. Residents and the business community welcome the return. They anticipate a significant boost to the local economy, particularly in the hospitality, tourism, and restaurant sectors.
