Kite flyers announce basant date in Rawalpindi despite govt ban

RAWALPINDI: Despite the Punjab government’s ban on kite flying, the Kite Flying Association of Rawalpindi and Islamabad is pushing forward with plans to hold Basant festivals.

The association has declared that Basant Night will be celebrated in cantonment areas on February 20, while Basant Day will be celebrated on February 21.

 In Rawalpindi city, the celebrations will take place on February 27 and 28. The association’s vice chairman, Chaudhry Iqbal, believes that the festival will continue, even if it means going to jail and paying heavy fines.

He’s quoted that “even if the punishment is 14 years in prison or life imprisonment, Basant will still be celebrated.”

The association argues that instead of banning the festival altogether, the government should focus on imposing stricter penalties on the use of metal and chemical-coated kite strings, which are a major safety concern.

On the other hand, the Punjab government has passed a new law that permanently bans kite flying across the province, with violators facing prison terms of up to five years and fines of up to Rs two million.

The government’s decision is aimed at reducing the risks associated with kite flying, but it’s clear that the Kite Flying Association is not going to let the ban dampen their spirits.

The festival will still feature rooftop barbecues, traditional feasts, and white kites, making it a lively celebration despite the official restrictions. It’s worth noting that the Punjab Prohibition of Kite Flying Ordinance 2001 has been amended over the years to include stricter penalties for those involved in dangerous kite-flying activities.

However, it seems that the Kite Flying Association is determined to keep the tradition alive, even if it means challenging the government’s ban.