The city of Rawalpindi is bracing for a major confrontation over the celebration of the spring kite-flying festival, Basant. The Rawalpindi Kite Association has openly announced plans to hold festivities, directly challenging a strict ban imposed by police and district authorities.
Defiance in the Face of Severe Penalties
The provincial government and local administration have declared Basant strictly prohibited, warning that anyone involved in flying or selling kites faces severe consequences. The announced punishments include prison sentences ranging from three to seven years, fines of up to Rs 500,000, and the registration of non-bailable criminal cases against offenders.
Despite this, leaders of the Rawalpindi Kite Association remain undeterred. Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Iqbal and leader Faisal Raja stated that Basant has been a part of the city's culture for 55 years and that such bans have never been successfully enforced in the past. They announced a detailed schedule: Basant Night will be observed from sunset to midnight on Monday, February 12, followed by a full-day Basant celebration on Friday, February 13, from 10:00 AM until sunset.
A Festival of Contrasts and Contradictions
The controversy highlights a stark double standard noted by local lawmakers. Within Lahore's limits, Basant is officially recognized as a major sport, a source of income, and a significant cultural festival. However, as soon as one enters Rawalpindi's jurisdiction, the same activity is labeled a "bloody sport," with parents even facing jail time for their children's actions.
The kite sellers are prepared for a fight. Association leaders issued a set of demands, calling for the administration to strictly ban deadly metallic strings and only permit kite flying with traditional cotton thread. They warned that if their demands are not met, Basant will be celebrated regardless of any restrictions. Their statement included a bold prediction that kite cutting competitions, food stalls, fireworks, crackers, and even aerial firing would take place, and "no one would be able to stop it."
Preparations and Parallel Events
Preparations are reportedly at their peak. The association claims that since permission has been granted in Lahore, Rawalpindi should be afforded the same right. They threatened to hold a "full-fledged Basant" without official permission if necessary. Separate events are planned for both Rawalpindi city and the cantonment area.
Meanwhile, a parallel development adds to the confusion. The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Director General has announced a separate, family-oriented Basant event at Liaquat Bagh, approving a proposal to move it from the Ring Road location. This creates a scenario where one government body is planning a festival while others are mobilizing to stop it.
On the ground, the business of kites is booming despite the ban. Sales through social media platforms have surged, with record supplies reportedly arriving in Rawalpindi from Abbottabad and Haripur. There are also serious allegations that police at checkpoints are allowing the transportation of kites and strings into the city after accepting bribes.
As the scheduled dates approach, police have become active in efforts to prevent the event. The stage is set for a tense standoff between cultural tradition and law enforcement, with the city awaiting to see which side will prevail.
