LAHORE, Pakistan, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's eastern historical city of Lahore started three-day Basant kite-flying celebrations on Friday, as colorful kites returned to the skies to welcome the spring season after a hiatus of nearly two decades.
The city, with a population of over 13 million, witnessed fireworks lighting the sky, kites rising from rooftops, and music drifting through the city and surrounding neighborhoods as residents poured into streets and terraces to mark the revival of the traditional festival.
Families, young couples, and groups of friends gathered in large numbers at different locations across Lahore, the capital of the country's eastern Punjab province, and historically known for the kite-flying carnival.
Kite flying was banned in the province two decades ago after a series of fatal accidents leading to the killing and injuring of dozens of people due to the use of metal- and glass-coated strings in competitive kite fighting.
"This is not merely a festival, but a reflection of Punjab's centuries-old culture and vitality," Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said in a message shared on social media as the celebrations began.
Urging citizens to enjoy the festival responsibly, the chief minister emphasized strict adherence to safety standard operating procedures to ensure that Basant remains safe for everyone.
Markets traditionally associated with Basant remained crowded as buyers stocked up on kites, spools of string, lights and festive decorations and people's enthusiasm was surging with every passing moment.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari told Xinhua that the revival of Basant has reignited public enthusiasm and restored Lahore's festive spirit, drawing not only local residents but also overseas Pakistanis and foreign tourists.
According to the Kite Flying Association, business activity linked to the festival has surged, with kite and string sales exceeding 2 billion rupees (around 7.14 million U.S. dollars) during the two weeks. ■