The Punjab government hasn’t actually banned 132 songs for Basant
A spokesperson for the Punjab information minister confirmed that the songs in question have been banned in theatres and for stage productions.
It’s finally happening, the skies of Lahore will be brimming with kites for the first time in 19 years from February 6 to 8 as the city celebrates its first Basant in a long, long time.
Basant, a traditional festival marking the start of spring, has been a part of Lahore’s cultural calendar for centuries. Festivities in the past have had that signature ‘loud and proud’ touch the city is known for, with music playing across the ancient city as young and old alike engaged in spirited kite-battles.
The festival was banned in 2007 after the use of strengthened and glass-coated kite strings led to an increasing number of deaths, especially among motorcyclists.
The 18-year hiatus means a whole generation grew up without knowing how to celebrate, so we thought we’d give them a crash course on what to do and what not to do this Basant weekend.
Yes, Basant has a dress code. The festival celebrates the season of flowers and you’re supposed to dress accordingly. Think traditional-wear in bright yellows, reds, greens and pinks. Basically, if you can wear it to a mehendi, you can wear it on Basant!
You can’t have a party in Lahore without some bhangra and Basant is no exception. Expect dhols, traditional Basant anthems on speakers, singing and some good old fashioned dancing.
You can’t have Basant without kites, we don’t make the rules. So, go up to your roof and fly them. Just remember, others will try to cut you out of the sky, so maybe read up on flying and take down techniques first.
Another Lahore party essential — food and drinks. We recommend having a traditional breakfast of channay and halwa puri to start the day, followed by samosas, pakoras and jalebis if you’re looking for a snack. Oh, and healthy amounts of ice-cold lassi to wash everything down and keep cool throughout the day.
Okay, now onto the serious part, Basant supplies like kites and string are heavily regulated in an effort to ensure public safety and order. When buying them, make sure the seller is authorised by the provincial government and that the kite and string both have QR codes on the packing.
This will ensure you don’t buy illegal material like unsafe string, the possession and use of which can result in heavy fines. Government-sanctioned suppliers have been selling Basant supplies since February 1 across Lahore and will continue to do so till February 8.
Another safety precaution is the installation of safety rods on motorcycles. The metal structures, attached to the front of bikes, are meant to ensure strings don’t tangle around riders’ necks or cut them as they traverse the city’s streets.
The use of nylon, metal and glass-coated kite strings — which cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries to people who get caught in them — were the biggest reason Basant and kite flying as a whole were banned in 2007.
Motorcyclists were particularly vulnerable to injuries or even fatal accidents while speeding through the narrow lanes of the Walled City, where almost invisible stray kite strings could appear out of nowhere.
The government has approved the use of nine-thread cotton strings which are available at retailers across the city.
Aside from strings, kites are also regulated this year, with specific approved sizes, specifications and a ban on political imagery. There are also no-fly zones, especially around the airport where kites can be a danger to aircraft taking off or landing.
Avoid flying kites where you’re not supposed to and make sure to follow all the rules.
This isn’t even a Basant thing, it’s just being a good neighbour. Make sure your celebrations aren’t inconveniencing people around you and be especially mindful if your neighbours are elderly or have young children.
This also isn’t just a Basant thing. Celebratory gunfire is dangerous, the stray bullets can hurt people and damage property!
The forecast so far says Lahore will see clear, kite-ready skies over Basant weekend and that means you’ll need sunscreen if you want to stay out all day. Seriously, while we endorse enjoying a pakora or two, we don’t recommend getting fried like one.
With the festival returning after such a long hiatus, the celebrations will definitely include some free stuff. The government, for example, is offering free rides on all public transport and on rickshaws working with ride-sharing apps from Feb 4 to 6.
Stores and restaurants are also giving out kites to patrons, symbolic of a city getting ready to re-embrace its fun-loving side.
One last piece of advice, Basant is supposed to be a city-wide celebration, a party where everyone is invited. So, be responsible, be mindful of others and have fun!
Cover photo: Murtaza Ali/White Star