As winter fades and spring approaches, DHA Lahore has officially announced one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events: DHA Basant Mela 2026. Scheduled from Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, the three-day festival is set to bring controlled celebrations, music, food, and family-friendly activities—while enforcing strict safety rules to avoid past tragedies linked with Basant.
The announcement has quickly drawn attention across Lahore, especially among families and young people looking for a safe, organized, and legal way to enjoy Basant this year.
What Is DHA Basant Mela 2026
The DHA Basant Mela 2026 is a government-approved, DHA-managed cultural festival designed to revive Basant celebrations in a regulated and secure environment. Unlike informal rooftop kite flying, this event strictly limits activities to authorized venues only, with security oversight and clear legal boundaries.
The goal is to allow citizens to enjoy Basant traditions—music, color, food, and festivity—without compromising public safety.
Event Dates and Timings
The festival will run for three consecutive days:
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Friday, February 6, 2026
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Saturday, February 7, 2026
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Sunday, February 8, 2026
At the main venue, festival activities are scheduled from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily, allowing both daytime family participation and evening entertainment.
Authorized Basant Venues in DHA Lahore
To prevent accidents and enforce safety, kite flying is permitted only at specific DHA-approved locations during the festival.
Approved Locations
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DHA Phase 9 Prism
This will serve as the primary “Mega Basant Mela” site, hosting the largest gatherings, concerts, food courts, and fireworks. -
Defence Raya (Designated Areas Only)
Kite flying and related activities are allowed only within clearly marked zones inside the Raya complex.
Strictly Prohibited Areas
Kite flying is completely banned in:
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All residential sectors of DHA
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Commercial areas
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Roads, streets, and public rooftops
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Private homes and buildings
Violations outside authorized zones will result in immediate legal action.
Concerts, Entertainment, and Ticket Details
Beyond kite flying, the Basant Mela includes live concerts, cultural performances, food stalls, and fireworks, making it a full family entertainment festival.
Concert Lineup and Ticket Price
| Date | Performing Artists | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 6 (Friday) | Abrar Ul Haq, Naseebo Lal, Sehar Gul Khan | Rs. 3,000 |
| Feb 7 (Saturday) | Arif Lohar, Sahara UK, Nimra Mehra | Rs. 3,000 |
| Feb 8 (Sunday) | Ali Zafar, Sahir Ali Bagga, Asif Ali Santoo | Rs. 3,000 |
Tickets are being sold through authorized ticketing platforms, and entry is subject to capacity limits.
Strict Safety Rules Everyone Must Follow
Learning from past incidents, DHA has announced zero tolerance for unsafe practices during Basant Mela 2026.
Kite String Restrictions
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Only thin cotton string is allowed
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Metallic, chemical-coated (manjha), or nylon strings are strictly banned
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Possession or use of banned strings can lead to immediate arrest and non-bailable charges
QR Code Verification
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All kites and strings must be bought from registered sellers
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Each item must carry a traceable QR code
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Unverified items will be confiscated on the spot
Monitoring and Surveillance
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DHA security and local authorities will monitor the area using drones
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Ground patrols will enforce compliance throughout the event
Motorcyclist and Public Safety Measures
Given the risks associated with flying strings, additional safety steps have been made mandatory:
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Motorcyclists must install protective iron antennas/rods on their bikes
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Entry to festival areas may be restricted for bikes without protection
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Helmets and standard traffic rules remain mandatory
Age Restrictions and Parental Responsibility
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Children under 18 years are not allowed to fly kites
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Parents or guardians will be held legally responsible for any violations by minors
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Families are encouraged to supervise children closely within festival zones
What Visitors Should Do Before Attending
To avoid inconvenience or legal trouble, visitors should:
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Attend only authorized DHA venues
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Purchase tickets and kite materials from approved sellers
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Follow instructions from security staff
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Avoid carrying prohibited items
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Plan transport early due to expected crowds
Compliance ensures the festival remains open and safe for everyone.
Why This Event Matters for Lahore
The DHA Basant Mela 2026 reflects a shift from uncontrolled celebrations to structured cultural events. By combining entertainment with enforcement, DHA aims to:
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Restore a cultural tradition responsibly
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Reduce accidents and injuries
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Promote family-friendly public events
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Set a model for future festivals in Punjab
This approach balances celebration with accountability.
Conclusion
The announcement of DHA Basant Mela 2026 from February 6 to 8 marks a significant moment for Lahore’s cultural calendar. With designated venues, major concerts, strict safety rules, and active enforcement, DHA is offering residents a rare opportunity to enjoy Basant legally and safely.
For those planning to attend, following official guidelines is not optional—it is the key to ensuring that Basant remains a celebration, not a risk.
