Basant 2026 Returns to Lahore: Police Arrest Hundreds Ahead of Festival

As Lahore readies itself for the return of the Basant festival, authorities are stepping up enforcement measures to curb illegal kite-flying. After a 25-year hiatus, the three-day event will officially take place from 6–8 February 2026, but the crackdown has been ongoing rather than coinciding solely with the festival’s start, according to local reports.

Verification of Arrests

While early figures suggested around 250 arrests, official statistics indicate a much higher number. Punjab Police and local news outlets report that as of early February, 1,729 individuals have been detained in Lahore alone for illegal kite-flying activities.

During the 24 hours leading up to the festival, authorities made 153 arrests across the province, with 81 in Lahore. In total, 1,645 cases have been registered under the Anti-Kite Flying Act in the provincial capital this year. Officials say these measures aim to prevent accidents and ensure public safety during the festival.

Basant 2026 Festival Overview

Basant is set to return to Lahore after nearly two decades, with strict regulations enforced by the Punjab government. QR-code registration is now mandatory for all approved kites and strings, while metallic, glass-coated, and chemical strings remain strictly prohibited.

To maintain order, the city has been divided into Red, Yellow, and Green zones, each monitored using drones and the Safe City camera network. Authorities have stressed that adherence to these zones is critical to prevent accidents, especially in densely populated areas.

Public Safety Measures

In addition to kite regulations, motorcyclists navigating festival zones must wear helmets and install safety antennas. Entry to certain high-risk areas will be restricted, and law enforcement will remain vigilant throughout the festival period. Officials emphasise that these steps are designed to ensure the return of Basant is celebrated safely, marking a historic revival of the event while keeping public risk to a minimum.

The full update is being covered in real-time by RozUpdates, providing residents and festival-goers with timely information about safety regulations and enforcement actions ahead of the celebrations.