How Basant became Lahore’s signature festival in Pakistan | Arts and Culture

Lahore, Pakistan, erupted in celebration as the centuries-old spring festival of Basant returned to the city late Thursday, February 6, 2026. Fireworks lit the sky as crowds gathered, marking the first time in nearly two decades that many residents could freely participate in the tradition of kite flying.

A Return to Tradition

For 50-year-old banker Aamer Iqbal, the return of Basant was deeply personal. He described the experience of launching a kite with his daughter as a powerful reconnection to his childhood, recalling memories of time spent with family. Iqbal noted that flying a kite creates a feeling of connection between “heaven and Earth,” and a desire to “break free” from earthly constraints.

Did You Know? The word “Basant” originates from the Sanskrit term “Vasant,” signifying spring and the transition from winter to the blooming season.

Six kilometers away, Muhammad Mubashir, a 41-year-old businessman, shared a similar sentiment. He was struck by observing a young boy struggling to tie the central knot of a kite, realising the extent to which the ban on Basant had erased the tradition from the knowledge of a younger generation.

Historical Roots and Transformation

Basant’s origins stretch back centuries, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Punjab region. One popular origin story links the festival to the 13th-century Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, whose spirits were lifted by the performance of his disciple, Amir Khusro.

During the 19th-century Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh institutionalized the festival in Lahore, establishing the city as its central hub. Before the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, Basant was celebrated across religious lines, with Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities participating together.

From Local Tradition to Global Event

The festival’s transformation into an internationally recognized event has a unique history. In the early 1980s, Imran Khan, then a cricket captain, invited the Duke and Duchess of Somerset to experience Basant at the Haveli Barood Khana of Mian Yousaf Salahuddin. Their enthusiastic reaction prompted Salahuddin to advocate for wider promotion of the festival, leading to its increased visibility through media coverage.

Expert Insight: The revival of Basant demonstrates the enduring power of cultural traditions and the importance of shared experiences in fostering community and intergenerational connection. The festival’s journey from a localized celebration to an internationally recognized event highlights the potential for cultural exchange and the role of influential figures in promoting heritage.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Basant had become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. The festival fostered the development of “Gharana” schools of kite flying, with organised teams led by masters.

The Art of Kite Flying

Basant is more than just flying kites; it encompasses a specific vocabulary, customs, and construction techniques. Traditional Punjabi kites are often rhombus-shaped, known as “gudda” or “guddi.” The term “patang” refers to a curvilinear shape. Even the size of the kite, determined by the paper sheet used in its construction, held significance.

However, current government regulations regarding kite size and string safety require veteran flyers to adapt their techniques.

A Festival Under Scrutiny

The celebrations occurred amidst heightened security concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people. In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced the cancellation of her official Basant engagements on Saturday, February 7, while allowing the public to continue flying kites under close government monitoring.

Authorities plan to evaluate the event’s safety outcomes and compliance levels to inform future policy decisions. Some speculate that the government may be seeking political advantage from the revival, but others suggest the decision was based on public enthusiasm and a desire to restore a cherished tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Basant?

Basant is a centuries-old spring festival traditionally celebrated in the Punjab region, marking the transition from winter to spring and coinciding with the harvest season. It is characterized by kite flying, music, and vibrant colours.

How did Basant become popular in Lahore?

Maharaja Ranjit Singh institutionalized the festival during the 19th-century Sikh Empire, establishing Lahore as its main hub. Later, Imran Khan’s invitation of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset in the 1980s, coupled with media coverage, significantly increased its international recognition.

What are the current regulations surrounding Basant?

Current government regulations focus on kite size and string safety, requiring veteran flyers to adapt their techniques. Authorities are closely monitoring the festival to ensure responsible celebration and compliance with these regulations.

As Lahore looks ahead, will the revival of Basant continue to bridge generational gaps and foster a renewed sense of community spirit?