At Liberty Chowk, a massive kite now rises above the traffic and crowds, marking the installation of Pakistan’s largest kite and signaling the city’s long-awaited return to Basant celebrations. The sight has quickly turned into a gathering point for residents, families, and passersby who stop to take photos, smile, and linger a little longer than usual.
The giant Lucknow-cut kite was prepared by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Officials say it took around ten days to complete, and since its installation, it has become one of the most talked-about displays in the city.
Across Lahore, the mood is changing. Major roads, intersections, and public spaces are being decorated with colorful kites and festive lights. Markets that had remained quiet for years during the Basant season are once again busy, with shopkeepers reporting a sharp rise in sales of kites and strings.
Market sources say that on the second day of shopping alone, sales touched around Rs 180 million, pushing total spending over two days to nearly Rs 340 million. More than 600,000 kites were sold in a single day, a figure traders say reflects both excitement and pent-up demand after years of restrictions.
Basant celebrations are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 8, nearly 25 years after the festival was effectively banned due to safety concerns. In recent weeks, authorities have introduced new regulations, including mandatory rooftop permissions, in an effort to ensure safer celebrations this time around.