Basant once again proved to be a massive business season for Lahore, with kite and string sales crossing the Rs 1 billion mark in just a few days. Despite higher prices this year, the demand for kites, reels, and string stayed strong across the city.
According to Malik Faizan Ahmed, legal adviser of the Kite Flying Association, the kite trade showed remarkable growth during the festival. On the fourth day alone, the sale of kite string reels crossed Rs 1.22 billion, highlighting how deeply Basant is linked with Lahore’s economy and culture.
Strong Demand Despite Rising Prices
Even with an increase in prices, kite-related items were easily available in major markets. Buyers continued to purchase in large numbers, showing that enthusiasm for Basant remains high.
More than one million kite reels were sold in a single day. Along with that, over 20,000 pannas of kite string were purchased, especially the high-quality ones used by experienced kite flyers.
Current Market Prices
Below is a snapshot of the average prices seen in Lahore’s markets during Basant:
| Item | Price Range (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Half tawa reel | 300 |
| One tawa reel | 400 |
| One and a half tawa reel | 700 |
| Two-piece panna (string) | 12,000 – 15,000 |
These prices vary depending on quality and demand, especially for professional-grade kite string.
Daily Sales Show Rapid Growth
Sales figures from the four days of Basant clearly show a steady rise in business activity:
| Day | Sales Volume (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 160 million |
| Day 2 | 180 million |
| Day 3 | 200 million |
| Day 4 | 680 million |
The sharp jump on the fourth day reflects peak buying as celebrations reached their height.
Busy Markets Across Lahore
Kite trading remained active in several traditional markets, including:
- Androon Mochi Gate
- Islam Pura
- Sanda
- Samanabad
- Nonarian
- Ichhra
These areas stayed crowded with buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts throughout the festival.
FAQs
Why is Basant important for Lahore’s economy?
Basant creates short-term but high-volume business for kite makers, string sellers, shopkeepers, and daily wage workers linked to the trade.
Did higher prices reduce sales this year?
No. Despite higher prices, demand remained strong and sales continued to grow each day.
What items sell the most during Basant?
Kite reels, kite string (pannas), and ready-made kites are the top-selling items.
Which areas are known for kite markets in Lahore?
Mochi Gate, Ichhra, Samanabad, and Islam Pura are among the most popular markets.
Conclusion
Basant continues to be more than just a cultural celebration in Lahore. It is a major economic event that generates billions of rupees in a matter of days. The strong sales figures this year show that public interest remains high, even with rising costs. For many traders and workers, Basant remains one of the most profitable times of the year.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at 8171 Rashan Program. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.