Точка Синхронізації

The regional government of Punjab, Pakistan, announced the official reinstatement of the historic Basant kite-flying festival on February 11, 2025, lifting a 19-year ban imposed due to public safety concerns. Traditionally celebrated to mark the arrival of spring, the event was prohibited in 2005 following a series of tragic incidents involving fatalities and severe injuries. Authorities decided to revive the cultural heritage spectacle under new, strict regulatory frameworks designed to prevent the recurrence of the hazards that led to the original suspension nearly two decades ago. The prohibition was initially sparked by the widespread use of "manja"—a lethal, glass-coated or chemical-treated string designed to cut the lines of rival kites. These razor-sharp strings frequently caused fatal throat injuries to motorcyclists and pedestrians, while children often suffered life-threatening falls from rooftops while chasing drifting kites. Furthermore, the tradition had become increasingly associated with celebratory gunfire and electrical power outages caused by metallic strings short-circuiting high-voltage power lines, creating a multi-faceted public safety crisis. To ensure a safe return, the provincial administration has introduced a comprehensive set of enforcement measures. These include a total ban on the manufacture and sale of glass-coated or metallic strings, mandatory safety guards for motorcycles, and restricted zones for flying to protect residential areas. Local police have been authorized to conduct raids on illegal workshops and seize prohibited materials, with officials emphasizing that the festival's future depends entirely on public compliance with these life-saving protocols. This revival is seen as an attempt to restore a vital piece of Punjabi cultural identity while modernizing its safety standards.