‘Magical atmosphere’: Kite fever lights up Lahore as Basant boosts economy

After an 18-year ban due to safety concerns, the Basant kite-flying festival has returned to Lahore, Pakistan, in February 2026. The three-day spring festival, historically rooted in Vasant Panchami, marks the arrival of spring and is being celebrated with renewed enthusiasm. The revival of Basant has injected millions of dollars into the local economy, with kite sellers reporting significant sales. Thousands of people are visiting markets like Mochi Gate to purchase kites and related supplies. The All Pakistan Kite Flying Association anticipates that the festival will generate billions of rupees in economic activity through various sectors, including hospitality and catering.