Basant 2027: Kite makers demand early production licences
Manufacturers want production to begin in September
Association Chairman Khawaja Nadeem Saeed Wain said manufacturers should be allowed to resume production from September. He proposed allowing production for four to five months, so manufacturers have enough time to prepare stocks before the festival.
According to Wain, an early start would help manufacturers meet expected demand and avoid last-minute shortages. He said preparations should begin soon because the Punjab government has already announced the dates for Basant 2027.
Shortage reported during Basant 2026
The association said citizens faced difficulties finding kites and strings during Basant 2026. Wain attributed the shortage to the limited time manufacturers had to prepare supplies.
He said manufacturers were unable to produce sufficient stocks within the available period. The association wants the government to avoid a repeat of the situation by allowing production to begin several months before the next festival.
Association calls for licences to be reissued
The District Kite Flying Association has also called for the reissuance of licences for kite manufacturers. Its representatives said licensed manufacturers should be given sufficient time to operate under government rules and safety requirements.
They also called for the kite-making business to be allowed to operate permanently. The association believes a regular licensing system could help manufacturers plan production instead of waiting for short-term approvals before each festival.
Basant 2027 dates already announced
The demand comes after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that Basant 2027 will be held in Lahore from March 12 to 14. The announcement gives kite manufacturers a fixed period to prepare for the festival.
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The chief minister said the dates were finalised after the successful Basant 2026 celebrations. She also invited young people from across Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis and international visitors to participate in the three-day event.
Basant returns under safety rules
Basant returned to Lahore earlier this year after a prolonged ban. The Punjab government allowed the festival under specific safety and regulatory conditions aimed at reducing risks associated with kite flying.
The government has stressed that kite-flying activities must follow the rules introduced for public safety. The return of the festival has renewed interest in kite manufacturing and related businesses in Lahore.
Safety rules remain important
While manufacturers are seeking early licences, any increase in production will also have to remain within the government’s safety framework. Kite flying in Lahore has historically raised concerns over dangerous strings and other safety risks.
The licensing process can allow authorities to monitor manufacturers and ensure that production follows approved standards. A balance between timely production and strict enforcement will be important ahead of Basant 2027.
Why early production matters
Starting production several months before Basant could give manufacturers more time to prepare sufficient stocks. It could also help prevent sudden shortages and reduce pressure on manufacturers closer to the festival.
For consumers, adequate supplies could make kites and approved strings easier to find. For manufacturers, early licensing would provide greater certainty about how long they can operate and how much stock they can prepare.
