The Punjab government has officially announced dates for Lahore’s three-day Basant festival in March 2027. The celebrations will take place on March 12, 13 and 14 under a safety-focused plan. Officials have also introduced requirements for rooftops and buildings to reduce risks during kite flying.
The decision came during a meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Ahmed Javed. He said authorities would not allow kite flying from rooftops considered unsafe. Property owners must complete safety arrangements before the festival begins. The measures aim to ensure that participants follow the required precautions.
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Under the new rules, rooftops must have safety walls at least three-and-a-half feet high. Owners must complete this construction by December 31, 2026. They must also repair rooftops at locations approved for kite flying. These requirements form part of the government’s preparations for the celebrations.
Ahmed Javed directed deputy commissioners to inspect rooftops on older buildings and houses. Officials will assess whether these structures can safely support kite-flying activities. If an inspection report identifies serious concerns, the deputy commissioner can prohibit kite flying from the affected building. This measure places building safety at the centre of local enforcement.
The government has also assigned responsibility to property owners for rooftop stability. Owners must ensure that the roofs used for kite flying remain structurally sound. Authorities will assess buildings before allowing activities from their rooftops. These checks are particularly important for older properties that may require repairs.
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Electrical wires near rooftops will also require attention before the festival. The home secretary said building owners must arrange protection when power lines run close to their roofs. This requirement adds another safety measure for people participating in the celebrations. Officials will also monitor the production, distribution and sale of kites and strings.
Deputy commissioners will oversee kite and string activities within prescribed limits, according to the announced plan. Their responsibilities include monitoring supplies and ensuring compliance with applicable restrictions. The government has set December 31, 2026, as the deadline for rooftop safety walls. Lahore’s Basant celebrations are scheduled to begin on March 12, 2027, and continue through March 14.