London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed his admiration for the vibrant Basant festival in Lahore saying he “loved” seeing the celebrations and hopes the event continues safely for years to come. Basant a traditional spring kite flying festival had been banned in Punjab for years due to safety concerns including injuries and property damage but has returned this year under strict regulations. Khan told Geo News from London that watching the festival reminded him of the joy and cultural pride it brings to communities across Pakistan.
He emphasized that celebrations like Basant are important for preserving cultural heritage and fostering community spirit but public safety must remain the top priority. Rooftops across Lahore have once again been filled with colorful kites as families and young people take part in the centuries old tradition while adhering to new safety measures. Khan praised the careful planning by local authorities to revive the festival responsibly saying that maintaining a balance between celebration and safety is key to ensuring the event’s longevity.
The London mayor also noted that festivals such as Basant help build cultural connections and inspire people worldwide highlighting the universal appeal of communal joy and tradition. His comments reflect support for cultural expression while stressing the importance of responsible enjoyment and public well being during large scale events like this.
