Lahore’s district administration has announced that the Basant festival will be celebrated from February 6 to 8 and has begun preparations, including the registration of kite makers, sellers and kite flying associations.

The administration has started registrations under four categories and issued different forms for manufacturers, traders and associations.

Official certificates will be issued with Form “B”, carrying a QR code that must be placed on kites and strings.

According to the guidelines, the maximum kite size will be 40 inches, with a width not exceeding 30 inches.

Kite string must be made of cotton thread, with no more than nine strands. Only simple glue, plain colour, flour and weak glass will be allowed in manjha, while sharp manjha, metallic wire, chemicals and reinforced string are banned.

Only traditional hand-held spools will be permitted, and mechanical reels will not be allowed. Violations will result in cancellation of registration.

The administration has fixed the registration fee at Rs1,000 for kite and string manufacturers, as well as for traders and shopkeepers, while kite flying associations will pay Rs5,000.

A special enforcement squad will be formed to ensure a safe Basant, with registered kite flying associations included in the teams.