Famous but deadly kite flying festival returns after 19-year ban

BBC ^ | February 7, 2026 | Caroline Davies

[E. Pluribus Unum]

After injuries and fatalities caused by sharp strings, falls and celebratory gunfire, an event that dates back centuries returns.

In the streets of Lahore there are hints that the kite flying festival, Basant, has returned. Someone is fishing a kite from electricity cables, the distant sound of a drum beat, a flash of neon when you look up in the walled city's narrow streets to a stretch of sky. This party is above.

As the sun sets across the city, on every rooftop we can see families and friends, laughing, shouting, watching as kites zig zag, circle, and soar through the city's skies.

"It's really difficult!" Abu Bakar Ahmad tells me.

The 25-year-old tech engineer has been coached by his cousin, coaxing the kite higher and higher with a twitch of the string.

"All our generations here are very excited; the elders know how to fly a kite, but we Gen-Zers don't know."

The festival has returned after nearly two decades. Marking the start of spring, it dates back centuries, but was banned in 2007 after several years of injuries and fatalities caused by sharp kite strings, falls and aerial firing.

It means for many this is their first time flying; they've never seen the skies above Lahore like this. Others are practicing the skill after years.

"It's gathering, it's love. Flying kites is ok, but the main thing is bonding," Kanwal Amin, 48, tells me. "I like watching and eating good food."

Kashif Siddiqui is a pharmacist, but admits his kite flying is a bit rusty. He shows me pictures of his last Basant - then Kashif's son was three. Now his son is here with his own children.

"It's special for Lahori's - this runs in our blood. It's not about kite...

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TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: kites

[E. Pluribus Unum]

"Celebratory gunfire" sounds fun! 🤡

[dfwgator]

After injuries and fatalities caused by sharp strings, falls and celebratory gunfire, an event that dates back centuries returns.

I thought it would be "The Running Of The Jew"

[BipolarBob]

Flying kites around high lines and substation are frowned on around here so I know how they feel.

[Deaf Smith]

How many people will be beheaded this year from the kite strings?

[MotorCityBuck]

Or News Years celebrations in Detroit.

[know.your.why]

This is actually a Pixar animation preview for the next Disney movie “RaCe To SeVeNtY-TwO”.

[Deaf Smith]

Incase I’ve gone over any FReepers’ head with my post; previous FR thread(s) maybe 2007 described the deaths from kite strings of this festival (or fiesta)p> Part of the festival is kite fighting; object to knock down other kites by way of cutting the kite strings.

Competitors might coat the strings in fine glass, add razor blades or attach long thin metal strips to be able to cut strings.

Loose kite strings from kites cut down, or kites dragging their strings, fall over crowds and people riding motorcycles…body parts and heads will be cut off.

*If anyone knows a Key Word to find the old threads.

[dfwgator]

Sounds like fun for the whole family.

[alternatives?]

Have kites been replaced by drones?

[Deaf Smith]

Found it under key word ‘kites’

02-26-2007

Eleven dead

Fiesta!

[Deaf Smith]

2005; Thirteen killed.

Fiesta!

[WKUHilltopper]

Hang a ham off of one of the kites and watch ‘em run! Fun for the whole family!