By Faizan Khan
LAHORE: The Basant festival began in Lahore shortly after midnight on Thursday as Punjab formally lifted a 19-year ban, with authorities enforcing strict safety measures to prevent accidents linked to kite flying.
The three-day festival will continue until 8 February. The ban, imposed in 2007 after deaths and injuries caused by sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire, was lifted last week through new legislation. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari arrived at Delhi Gate in Lahore to inaugurate Basant by flying a kite. “The wait is finally over. The festival is about to begin,” she said.
Speaking from the venue, Bokhari said women, children, the elderly and men were all taking part in the celebrations. “No one is disturbing anyone. Everyone is celebrating freely,” she said, expressing hope that the festivities would continue safely over the next three days.
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