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Lahore, a historical city of Pakistan, is famous throughout the world for its vibrant culture and festivals. This year in 2026, the city has revived the Basant Festival after a long time. Basant, the festival that welcomes spring, fills the skies of Lahore with thousands of colorful kites. This festival is not only a symbol of happiness and joy, but also reflects the cultural heritage of the city. But this spring is special because it has come back after a ban of 19 years. We will talk about the roots of Basant, the reasons for the ban, its resumption, the economic benefits, the cultural differences and the celebrities who are making it more spectacular by joining this festival.

Basant is an ancient festival which originated from the rituals associated with the spring season of Hinduism. Vasant means ‘spring’, which welcomes the warmth and flowering of flowers after winter. But after the partition of India-Pakistan in 1947, this festival became a secular Punjabi tradition. Meaning, it is no longer associated with any one religion, but people of the entire Punjab region celebrate it, no matter which religion they belong to. Spring in Lahore means gathering on rooftops, flying kites, listening to Punjabi folk songs, dancing and singing and enjoying delicious food. People wear yellow clothes, which symbolizes spring, and decorate rooftops with lights throughout the night. Seeing kites flying in the sky, it feels as if it is raining colours.

colors of spring in lahore

But why was such a beautiful festival stopped? The reason was security. To fly kites in spring, a string called ‘Manjha’ is used, which is coated with glass. This string is very sharp and is used to cut the strings of other kites during kite flying. But due to this speed, hundreds of people get injured every year. According to reports, more than 500 people were injured annually, and many died. Children, bike riders and birds also fell prey to it. Therefore, in 2007 the Government of Pakistan banned Basant. This decision was taken on the orders of the Supreme Court, so that people’s lives could be saved. During the ban, people used to celebrate Basant secretly, like in Rawalpindi there were secret events, but in a big city like Lahore it was completely closed.

Now how did the Spring Festival start again in 2026?

This is the result of the initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. They decided to restart the festivities with safety measures. Now instead of manjha, safe strings are being used, like plastic or nylon. The police and administration have made rules for installing safety railings on rooftops and prohibiting children from flying kites alone. The festival ran from 6 to 8 February, in which lakhs of people participated. The rooftops in old areas of Lahore like Anarkali, Liberty Market and Walled City were illuminated with lights. In the evening, Punjabi folk tunes were being played and people were enjoying kite flying by shouting ‘Bo Kata’. This is not only a happy occasion for the local people but is also attracting tourists.

Big benefit for Lahore’s economy

Economically, the return of spring is a big advantage for the economy of Lahore. It is estimated that this will generate a profit of 4 to 6 billion Pakistani rupees. How? Kites, strings, colors, clothes, food shops and hotels, everything is on boom. Tourists are coming from all over the country and abroad, who are filling the hotels and restaurants. Small businessmen, like kite makers, had been preparing for months. This festival not only brings money but also increases employment. For example, thousands of people work in the kite industry, and their work came to a standstill during the ban. Now the markets are buzzing again.

Why is there protest?

But like everything, there are differences of opinion on spring too. Some people oppose it calling it un-Islamic. They say that it comes from Hindu ritual, and involves gambling, music and useless extravagance. In many posts on social media, people call it a sin and demand that it be stopped. On the other hand, people consider it as cultural heritage. They say that Basant is a common tradition of Punjab, which connects Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. Even after partition, it is a part of the common culture of South Asia. In a city like Lahore, where religious tensions prevail, festivals like Basant unite people. The secret events in Rawalpindi are proof that people could not forget it.

Celebrities-from cricketers to singers are celebrating

Now let’s talk about the celebrities, who are making this spring more dazzling. The spring of 2026 is full of stars. Many big names of Pakistani showbiz industry have reached Lahore and are flying kites. Sajal Ali, who is from Karachi, is celebrating with her sister Saboor Ali. She is dancing and singing with friends on the terrace.

Actors like Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfikar, Mohib Mirza, Imran Ashraf and Usama Khan seem to be experts in kite flying. They are flying kites on rooftops in colorful clothes and sharing videos on social media. Actresses include Saba Qamar, Ayeza Khan, Hania Aamir, Jagan Kazim, Faryal Khan, Gohar and Amna. Ayeza Khan posted photos in a yellow dress, which matches the theme of spring.

Cricketers are also not behind. Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali are flying kites with the family. Hasan Ali was seen in the video shouting ‘Bo Kata’ with his friends. Singers and musicians include names like Abrar-ul-Haq, Jawad Ahmed, Zeeshan Rokri, Bilal Marth, Mirab Zeeshan and Ukasha Gul. Abrar-ul-Haq is also a politician, but he is singing folk songs while flying kites.

Songs of old singers like Malka Fukraj and Tahira Saeed are also being played. Digital stars like Rajab Butt, Mr Patlu and Taran Jeet Singh are also included. Taran Jeet Singh has come from Dubai and is dancing and flying kites in the hotel. Names of Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Aurangzeb are also appearing among the politicians, who are participating in the festival. These celebrities are not only enjoying the festival, but are also promoting it by sharing it on social media. Lahore’s Basant is trending across the world with his videos and photos.