Metro53 - Lahore (Web Desk): The return of Basant celebrations in Lahore after nearly 25 years has created an atmosphere of excitement across the city, with large numbers of people gathering on streets and rooftops and kite-flying activities reaching their peak. However, along with this revival, strong resentment has been observed among Indian social media users.
Videos showing kite flying in Lahore, music echoing from rooftops, and people dressed in yellow went viral across various social media platforms. Many users, both local and international, described the scenes as the long-awaited return of Lahore’s cultural identity. At the same time, the celebrations became a subject of heated online debate.
In the comment sections of images and videos shared from Lahore, several Indian social media accounts posted negative remarks. Those celebrating Basant were harshly criticized, and various allegations were made against them.
One user wrote that Pakistanis have now renamed Makar Sankranti as Basant and are celebrating it only for kite flying. Another commented that Pakistan is allegedly claiming the Indian festival of Basant Panchami as its own, while another post stated that it is “our festival” and is celebrated every year.
A different user claimed that watching Basant videos from Pakistan made it seem like a meme had been turned into reality. Some users argued that kite flying is essentially an Indian tradition and not limited to Punjab, while another stated that Pakistan has merely revived a tradition that never disappeared in India.
One comment alleged that Pakistanis are trying to present Basant as part of Punjabi Sufi culture. However, some Indian users opposed this viewpoint, with one stating that gatekeeping traditions is meaningless and that Basant is the soul of Punjab from Lahore to Amritsar.
Another post said that festivals are meant to spread happiness and should continue to be celebrated, while some users pointed out that different regions have their own ways and traditions of celebrating spring festivals.
Basant, once considered one of Lahore’s most prominent cultural celebrations, was effectively banned in 2007 following fatal incidents caused by metallic and chemical-coated kite strings. Despite repeated demands by citizens, traders, and cultural organizations to restore the festival in a safe and organized manner, the ban remained in place for years.
Eventually, in December 2025, the Punjab government announced the return of Basant and decided to celebrate it as a three-day event from February 6 to February 8, 2026.
