Rawalpindi’s Kite Flying Association Announces Basant Date Despite Ban

Despite a government ban on Basant celebrations, the Kite Flying Association Rawalpindi has defiantly declared plans to celebrate the festival on February 9 in Rawalpindi Cantt and on February 16 in Rawalpindi City. The association has also initiated preparations for the event but with strict rules in place to ensure safety.

Taking a decisive stance, the association has taken a firm stand against the use of metallic strings in kite flying, highlighting the inherent risks it poses to human lives. Those found violating this directive will not only face consequences but will also be subject to being handed over to law enforcement authorities. Additionally, the association has urged the police to take legal action against wholesale dealers involved in the illegal manufacturing and sale of metallic strings.

Vice Chairman Muhammad Iqbal and Joint Secretary Iqar Mehmood of the Kite Flying Association of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have expressed their refusal to accept a ban on Basant celebrations in the garrison city. They formally announced the celebration of Basant on specified dates next year.

Special Basant nights are also in the offing, scheduled for February 8 and February 15, starting at sunset and concluding at 1 am. The organizers plan to enhance the festivities by flying white-colored kites on these occasions.

However, in case of rainfall on the designated dates, Basant will be rescheduled for the following week, but cancellation is out of the question, according to the association. To ensure safety, the association has issued strict instructions to kite flyers, emphasizing the use of normal thread instead of metal strings. The association will provide normal thread strings, and aerial flying will be prohibited, allowing only drums during the celebrations.

In a plea to the administration, the association has expressed concern over potential crackdowns on kite flyers, asserting that their self-imposed restrictions should be sufficient to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration. Despite the ban, the association remains steadfast in its commitment to keeping the Basant tradition alive.