‘Magical atmosphere’: Kite fever lights up Lahore as Basant boosts economy | Arts and Culture

Lahore is once again celebrating Basant, a three-day kite-flying festival, after an 18-year ban. The return of the historic event has sparked a surge in economic activity, with kite and string sales nearing one billion rupees ($3.5 million).

Ban to Boom

Hasnain Khalid, 17, recently purchased 200 kites with his cousin, Noman Tariq, 27, in preparation for the festivities. The festival, rooted in Vasant Panchami and marking the arrival of spring, was banned in 2007 due to public outrage over deaths linked to accidents involving kite strings.

Basant has long been a shared tradition in the Punjab region of both India and Pakistan, traditionally celebrated with singing, dancing, and kite flying. From the 1980s, the festival grew in popularity in Lahore, peaking in the late 1990s with prime rooftop rentals reaching hundreds of thousands of rupees.

This year, rooftop rentals have soared, with some reportedly costing between 1.5 million ($5,300) and 2.5 million rupees ($8,900) for the three-day festival. A local bank secured a rooftop near Heera Mandi for nearly three million rupees ($10,600) to host staff celebrations.

Supply Meets Demand

Mochi Gate, one of Lahore’s historic gates dating back to the Mughal era, is the epicenter of Basant-related activity. Thousands are streaming through the narrow lanes to purchase kites and related items.

Kite sellers are reporting significant sales, with Ammad Ali, a wholesaler, selling over 600,000 kites in January. However, buyers have expressed concerns about quality and pricing, with prices rising significantly in the days leading up to the festival. A small kite that sold for 120 rupees ($0.40) on February 1 was priced at 300 rupees ($1) by February 4.

Ustad Javed Bhatti, a former kitemaker, stated that the production cost of a kite should not exceed 100 to 150 rupees, accusing shopkeepers of exploiting high demand. Some buyers reported kite string being sold on the black market for more than 14,000 rupees ($50) for a two-kilometer roll, compared to a typical price of 4,000 rupees ($14).

The All Pakistan Kite Flying Association’s spokesperson, Mohammad Amir Rafique Sheikh, attributed the shortage to the government permitting manufacturing only in January. Authorities have issued licenses to 350 manufacturers, 536 sellers, and 127 trader groups to closely monitor production and sales.

The Punjab government has implemented safety measures, including installing over 1.4 million safety rods on motorcycles to reduce the risk posed by kite strings. Extensive awareness campaigns have also been conducted.

Future of Basant

Hotels in Lahore are nearing 95 percent occupancy, with remaining rooms priced at three to four times their usual rates. Airfares from Karachi to Lahore have also surged, climbing to more than 110,000 rupees ($392) for a return ticket.

Former Punjab University professor Amjad Parvez praised the government for reviving the festival but urged them to preserve its essence, emphasizing the importance of skill and accessibility for all. Abdul Mustaqeem, a transport worker, expressed concern that the festival was becoming gentrified and commodified, potentially excluding those for whom it was traditionally a celebration.

If the festival passes without incident, Mustaqeem hopes it could pave the way for year-round kite flying. Authorities aim to celebrate Basant safely, responsibly, and within the law.