File photo 06/16/02–Hina Jawaid, 18, releases a tissue paper kite at a festival and picnic in support of SOS Children’s Villages Canada held at Fort York. ‘Basant’, a harvest festival highlighted by the flying of kites, is held annually in Pakistan and Northern India. The festival celebrates the coming of spring. Traditionally, the kites were all yellow because the blooming of the mustard fields marks the dawning of the season. Today the kites come in many colours.–06/16/02–DEANNE CAMERON/TORONTO STAR (Photo by Deanne Cameron/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Excitement built steadily as there was cautious curiosity on February 1and unrestrained enthusiasm followed once people realised the revival was real.
Meanwhile, Liberty Chowk emerged as the symbolic centre of festivities, transformed into a civic celebration space adorned with giant kites and lights. Families, young couples and groups of friends gathered to participate.
Enthusiasts say the fundamental shift is that this is the first Basant not whispered or hidden but sanctioned, visible and confidently public.
“Joy has returned as permission. The people want to believe in good and despite rising prices, Lahoris did not hesitate to participate,” a Johar Town citizen said. “At least, there’s entertainment now.”
Similarly, Basant is not confined to rooftops alone, but has returned to public life.
Earlier, the sense of openness deepened on Thursday when Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid a surprise visit to Liberty Chowk and later Mochi Gate, stepping into the crowd and engaging directly with citizens. She spoke with residents, posed for selfies and instructed her security personnel to step aside so she could move freely among the people.
Children, dressed in festive yellow, drew particular attention. The chief minister was seen shaking hands with a young girl, exchanging greetings with others, and blessing an infant carried by a citizen.
Residents praised her performance, with some remarking on the political significance of Basant’s return and others expressing hope that similar scenes would soon unfold in other citie
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari reached Delhi Gate in Lahore to inaugurate the Basant festival by flying a kite. She said, “The wait is finally over. The festival is about to begin.”
Speaking from the venue, Bokhari added, “Women, children, the elderly, and men are all enjoying Basant. No one is disturbing anyone; everyone is celebrating freely. We pray that these festivities continue for three days without any harm.”
In an earlier statement, she also said the festival was being closely monitored, with law enforcement agencies deployed across the city to ensure public safety.
She said comprehensive conditions have been put in place to avoid any loss of life during the celebrations. The Punjab government last week promulgated the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, into an act, providing the legal basis for resuming Basant.
In her Basant message, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that kites have returned to Lahore’s skies after 25 years. She urged people to celebrate the festival responsibly, follow all safety SOPs, and make Basant safe for everyone.
She also thanked former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for bringing joy and peace back to Punjab and Pakistan.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari reached Delhi Gate in Lahore to inaugurate the Basant festival by flying a kite. She said, “The wait is finally over. The festival is about to begin.”
Speaking from the venue, Bokhari added, “Women, children, the elderly, and men are all enjoying Basant. No one is disturbing anyone; everyone is celebrating freely. We pray that these festivities continue for three days without any harm.”
In an earlier statement, she also said the festival was being closely monitored, with law enforcement agencies deployed across the city to ensure public safety.
She said comprehensive conditions have been put in place to avoid any loss of life during the celebrations. The Punjab government last week promulgated the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, into an act, providing the legal basis for resuming Basant.
In her Basant message, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that kites have returned to Lahore’s skies after 25 years. She urged people to celebrate the festival responsibly, follow all safety SOPs, and make Basant safe for everyone.
She also thanked former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for bringing joy and peace back to Punjab and Pakistan.
