Lahore: With Punjab about to celebrate the Basant festival after a gap of 18 years, demand of approved kite material has gone so high within the province. With the provincial government deciding to remove the long standing ban, such cities as Lahore have three days of Basant festivities to be held between February 6 and 8, and authorities are planning to boost production, increase restrictions and concerns about people’s safety.
Manufacturing Expanded to New Districts
In the past, Lahore was the sole area that could produce kite material. Nevertheless, following the high demand, the Punjab government has now permitted the production in four more districts namely Faisalabad, Kasur, Multan and Sheikhupura.
The Punjab Home Department has instructed all manufacturers to be registered, according to the officials, to their respective deputy commissioners and via the e-Biz digital portal of the Punjab government. There will be no other kite material other than that of the approved category, a step that will be taken to ensure that the black-market activities are reduced and also to ensure that the fake price increase in the lead-up to the festival is avoided.
The authorities argue that the expansion will stabilize the supply and also make sure that safety standards are observed in every manufacturing unit.
Strict Regulations Enforced
A precise code of conduct in the production and use of kite material has also been issued by the government. Under the new rules:
- Only cotton string is permitted for kite flying
- Metallic or chemical-coated strings are strictly banned
- Kite sizes are regulated:
- 1.5 Tawa Gudda: 40 inches wide, 34 inches long
- 4.5 Guddi: 35 inches wide, 30 inches long
- Oversized kites beyond approved dimensions are prohibited
- Kites displaying images of individuals, religious texts, holy places, national flags, or political symbols are banned
According to the officials, the enforcement teams will be patrolling markets and flying zones to check compliance during the festival.
Safety Remains the Priority
The government stressed that the kite material bans are meant to ensure no injuries or deaths occur as it had been reported in previous Basant seasons. In the past, metallic strings were very detrimental to the lives of motorcyclists, pedestrians, and even children. Such risks are likely to be minimized greatly by cotton string and size limits.
The proscription of sensitive imagery should also ensure that we avoid a clash and avoid the spoilage of the cultural and festive atmosphere of Basant.
How to Buy Kite Material Legally
The citizens intending to partake Basant have been directed to buy kite cloth by accredited vendors within the permitted districts. Buyers are encouraged to check the sizes of kites and make sure that no other types of strings are used.
The government threatened to seize or impose fines and penalties on those who buy the product of unregistered sellers.
As Basant returns after almost twenty years, the Punjab government declares that it will ensure the celebration is balanced in terms of safety. People are hoping that by increasing controlled production and firm rules on kite material the festival can be fun, cheap and accident free. The historic revival of Basant should be done in peace in Punjab by the residents adhering to the guidelines.
