Basant Preparations in Full Swing in Lahore, Prices Are Revealed
Basant Preparations in Full Swing in Lahore Prices Are Revealed
After a gap of nearly two decades, preparations for Basant have been completed in Lahore. The formal sale and purchase of kites and strings will begin after 12 midnight tonight. Following official approval to celebrate Basant on February 6, 7, and 8, Lahore Police has issued a security and law-and-order alert across the city.
Lahore Welcomes Basant with Cultural Bus Decor, Free Rides, and Favorable Weather
According to shopkeepers, the price of one tawa gada has been fixed between Rs 300 and Rs 350, while one-and-a-half tawa gada will be sold for Rs 400 to Rs 450. Meanwhile, dor (two-piece panna) will be available in the range of Rs 5,000 to Rs 9,000, depending on quality.
Traders say that under government directives, it is now mandatory to place QR codes on kites and gadas. This measure aims to ensure proper monitoring of sales and to prevent the circulation of illegal or prohibited items.
Citizens say that the return of Basant after a long time has created a festive atmosphere in the city, though there is also strong awareness regarding safety and security arrangements.
Police officials have clarified that while the buying and selling of kites and strings will start after midnight, kite flying will only be permitted on officially designated dates.
According to Faisal Kamran, a strict crackdown is ongoing against violations of the Kite Flying Act. During the current month, 1,316 cases have been registered and 1,237 suspects arrested.
He further stated that police operations led to the arrest of 28 illegal kite and string manufacturers, 197 sellers, and 1,152 kite flyers. Authorities recovered more than 81,000 kites, along with 1,422 spinning wheels and prohibited strings. Police pickets and strict surveillance will remain in place across the city throughout Basant.
Under the approved regulations, only four-and-a-half khati kites and one-and-a-half tawa gada will be allowed. The use and sale of cotton thread are permitted, while metal wire, nylon, chemical-coated, and glass-studded strings remain strictly banned.
Faisal Kamran warned that violations could result in imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines of up to Rs 2 million. He emphasized that equal legal action will be taken against manufacturers, sellers, and users found violating the ban.
