PML-N leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has sought samples of kites and kite string as preparations for Basant 2027 move forward in Punjab.

According to reports, samples of kites, string and traditional gudda designs have been brought for review as officials and relevant stakeholders continue consultations over next year’s festival.

The development comes as authorities prepare for the return of Basant in Lahore under a tightly regulated framework. Punjab has already announced that Basant 2027 will take place in Lahore from March 12 to 14.

Sources said a meeting at 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam is expected to discuss arrangements for the festival, with district administration officials presenting samples of the materials expected to be used during the celebrations.

The focus on kite and string samples is significant because safety regulations remain central to the government’s plans for Basant. Authorities have been working to ensure that only approved kite sizes and permitted cotton string are manufactured and supplied for the event.

The Lahore district administration has already started preparations for the manufacturing side of Basant 2027. Registration for kite manufacturers began in September, with producers required to obtain approval before manufacturing kite-flying materials.

Officials have also indicated that production facilities will be monitored to prevent prohibited materials from entering the market. Chemical-coated string and metallic wire are among the materials that authorities have said will not be permitted.

The emphasis on approved materials follows the government’s effort to revive Basant while addressing the safety concerns that led to the festival’s long suspension.

Basant returned to Lahore in 2026 after an 18-year gap. The festival had been banned in 2007 following deaths and serious injuries linked particularly to dangerous kite strings and other incidents associated with kite flying.

For Basant 2027, the authorities are therefore preparing a more structured system covering manufacturers, sellers, kite sizes, string specifications and public safety.

The district administration previously stated that manufacturers would need registration and clearance before beginning production. Officials also said that inspection teams would monitor manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with the approved standards.

The government’s approach is aimed at maintaining the cultural character of Basant while limiting risks associated with unsafe kite-flying materials.

The festival remains strongly associated with Lahore and Punjab’s cultural heritage. Kite flying has historically been one of the most recognizable features of Basant, with colourful kites filling the city’s skies during celebrations.

As preparations for Basant 2027 continue, the review of kite and string samples could provide further indications of the materials that will be approved for next year’s celebrations.

The authorities are also expected to continue consultations with manufacturers, traders, kite-flying representatives and district officials before the festival begins.

With Basant 2027 scheduled for March 12 to 14, preparations are being started months in advance to ensure adequate supplies while maintaining the regulations introduced for safe kite flying.