Basant brings Rs1.5 billion trade surge to Lahore claims Kite Flying Association

As Basant returns to Lahore after nearly 25 years, business activity has soared, with kite and string sales exceeding Rs1.5 billion by the fifth day of trading. The festive buzz has fueled a sharp rise in demand, driving prices up as wholesalers and retailers remain bustling in preparation for the long-awaited celebration.

The Kite Flying Association reported that over one million kites were sold in Lahore on the fourth day alone, with more than 20,000 spools of string (pinna) changing hands.

Despite price hikes, kite sales remained strong, with a one-and-a-half tawa kite selling for Rs700, a one tawa kite for Rs400, and a pauna tawa kite for Rs300. Two-piece spools of string were priced between Rs12,000 and Rs15,000, depending on the length and quality.

The association noted that trade volumes grew daily, reaching Rs160 million on the first day, Rs180 million on the second, and Rs200 million on the third, before soaring to Rs680 million on the fourth day, pushing cumulative sales beyond Rs1.5 billion by day five.

Key commercial hubs in Lahore, including Mochi Gate, Islampura, and Samanabad, have been bustling with activity, while new entrants like Liberty Chowk have become central points of celebration.

The excitement spilled over into the streets of Lahore, as fireworks lit up the night sky and kites soared from rooftops. The city's long-standing tradition of "patang-baaz" — kite flyers by instinct — was revived as celebrations filled the Walled City and beyond. Liberty Chowk became the epicentre of festivities, with crowds gathering to witness the city’s transformation into a vibrant space filled with giant kites and lights.

On Thursday, the city was already abuzz with anticipation for the festival’s official start on February 6. Major intersections and public spaces were adorned with buntings and oversized kite installations, while rooftops across Lahore, especially in the old city, bristled with preparation.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz joined in the festivities, visiting Liberty Chowk and Mochi Gate, where she mingled with residents and addressed safety concerns. During her visit, she explained that the use of safety rods for motorcycles during Basant would be enforced to protect the public, though motorcycles themselves would not be banned.

"This is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of our culture and joy," said Nawaz, adding that the return of Basant, after nearly two decades, symbolised openness and a shared sense of happiness for Lahore’s residents. Families, young couples, and friends gathered in public spaces to take part in the festivities, marking a shift toward a more open and public celebration of the festival.

Basant is no longer confined to rooftops; it has fully re-entered public life, with festive preparations bringing the entire city together. Markets such as Mochi Gate, Delhi Gate, Shah Alam Market, and Anarkali remained packed late into the night, with buyers stocking up on kites, spools, and festive decorations.

For many Lahore residents, the return of Basant is not just about kites and string—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the promise of a more vibrant public life.