LAHORE: The kite strings are coming out of storage. The Punjab government has decided to allow Basant next year, but with a twist on tradition — the festival will be held in the closing days of January rather than its customary February slot.

According to sources, the shift was made because Ramazan begins in February, leaving the government little room to schedule a large public celebration in its usual window. A final date will be announced once the provincial cabinet formally signs off.

Officials indicated that permission for the manufacture and sale of kites, string and reels is expected to follow shortly. Substantive movement on the kite-flying framework is anticipated once the monsoon season and the current flood situation ease.

Authorities said every aspect of the event — from the festival itself to kite-flying permissions — will be finalised strictly within a set of rules and regulations, a signal that the safety restrictions that led to the original ban will remain a central part of the policy. (Source: City 42)