The Basant festival in Lahore, set to take place from February 6 to 8, 2026, marks a significant cultural revival after an 18-year hiatus. As reported by Dawn, the festival's return is met with excitement and nostalgia, as an entire generation will experience it for the first time. However, the revival comes with strict regulations, including QR-coded kites and heavy fines to ensure safety. The festival's economic impact is substantial, with ARY News reporting that over 400,000 kites and 15,000 spools of string were sold on the first day, generating an estimated Rs 150 million in sales. Rooftop rentals in Lahore's Walled City have surged, with some spaces fetching up to Rs 3 million for the three-day event, as noted by Business Recorder.