The Punjab government has decided to hold the Basant festival next year, but the traditional kite-flying festival will be celebrated in February instead of January.
The Home Department and district administration have worked out an initial plan for holding Basant in Lahore next year.
Sources said the decision to shift the festival to February has been taken in view of the expected start of Ramadan in February. However, the final date for Basant will be announced after approval from the provincial government.
According to sources, preparations for the festival will take into account the experience and arrangements of the previous year. Measures related to kite flying are also expected to be regulated under a defined set of rules and regulations.
Sources further said that permission for the production of kites, kite paper and kite string is expected to be granted soon, while all matters relating to kite flying during Basant will be governed by the relevant rules.
Basant has remained subject to restrictions in Punjab for years. The festival was last celebrated in Lahore in 2009.
