Basant

Courtly roots and royal fairs

Kite flying flourished during the Mughal period, when rulers held celebrations at Lahore Fort. In the early nineteenth century, the Sikh Empire turned the observance into a major state affair. Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Queen Moran wore yellow garments and flew kites during annual celebrations. The Maharaja established a ten-day court where troops demonstrated their skills and fairs unfolded at Sufi shrines. Over time, competitive kite battles moved from rural agricultural rhythms into dense city neighbourhoods, turning rooftop duels into a core part of urban Punjabi life.

Rooftops, music and yellow attire

The colour yellow defines Basant, symbolising the warmth and blossoms of the coming season. Families dress in bright yellow clothing and place fresh yellow flowers around their homes. In cities, people head to flat roofs to fly paper kites and cut the strings of competitors. Sounds of music, loudspeakers, and firecrackers fill the air as crowds celebrate successful duels. Women traditionally sing seasonal songs while swaying on outdoor swings, and neighbours exchange sweet dishes to greet the warmer weather.

Safety hazards and legal bans

During the late twentieth century, modern hazards altered the festival. Flyers began using cords treated with chemicals or crushed glass, known as manjha or dor. These hazardous lines caused severe cuts and fatal injuries to pedestrians, drivers, and birds. Falling from unprotected roofs and collisions with power grids created further dangers. Consequently, Pakistani authorities banned kite flying in 2007. Despite restrictions, enthusiasts in places like Rawalpindi continued flying kites from private roofs, leading to ongoing debates about balancing public safety with folk traditions.

Festivities across the border

Celebrations take varied forms across the Punjab region. In Indian Punjab, the Malwa area hosts kite-flying gatherings, especially among children in towns such as Firozpur. In Dhuri, a large fair at the Bansari and Gudri Shiva temple features rides, swings, and food stalls. Meanwhile, Pakistan permitted a regulated three-day revival in Lahore in February 2026, using protective safety rods on motorbikes, overhead street nets, and police surveillance. Similar festivities have even spread west to Quetta in Balochistan.

How Basant is kept

Participants gather on flat rooftops and open grounds to launch kites and battle rival flyers. Many dress in bright yellow outfits and decorate their living spaces with yellow flowers. Music plays throughout the neighbourhood, accompanied by fireworks and cheering whenever a kite string is severed. Communities host fairs with amusement rides, food stalls, and swings where women sing traditional songs. Families prepare and share sweet treats with guests to welcome the new season.

When and where

Basant takes place on the fifth day of the Punjabi month of Magh, which falls in late January or February. State-organised events have occasionally been scheduled on specific weekends in February or March.

The festival is observed throughout the historical Punjab region in Pakistan and India. Lahore serves as the main urban hub, with significant festivities also taking place in Amritsar, Rawalpindi, Firozpur, and across the global Punjabi diaspora.

What Basant means

Basant marks the end of winter and the awakening of spring. The bright yellow shade represents blooming seasonal flora and fresh beginnings. Rooftop gatherings and friendly kite duels foster community connection, uniting neighbours across generations in outdoor recreation and shared hospitality.

Questions people ask about Basant

See also

NowruzThe Iranian new year at the March equinox, kept with fire, greenery and picnicsRama NavamiA Hindu spring festival marking the birth of Rama with prayer, fasting and processionsTeejA monsoon festival where women fast and sing to celebrate the union of Shiva and Parvati.Hola MohallaA three-day Sikh festival of martial arts, poetry, shared meals and grand processions

Good reading and sources

• Basant, Pakistan's famous kite festival, cautiously returns after 19-year banBBC, Article
• Pindi says ‘Bo Kata’ to kite-flying banDawn, Article
• Basant, Pakistan's famous kite festival, cautiously returns after 19-year banBBC, Article
• Pindi says ‘Bo Kata’ to kite-flying banDawn, Article

• Basant (festival) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.