FAISALABAD, Feb 28: All is set for celebrating the basant festival in and around the city on Friday (today).

Heavy rush of kite lovers of all ages was seen around the city commercial centres — Arshad Market, Anarkali Bazaar and Jhang Bazaar.

They thronged the markets for purchasing strings and kites besides placing orders for traditional foodstuffs and search lights.

Almost all city hotels and clubs have arranged basant functions and a good number of affluent class were also seen purchasing tickets.

Some local industrialists have also arranged programmes in various hotels or atop roofs of their respective residences. Special invitation cards have also been distributed.

The multinational companies especially soft drinks and cosmetics have also arranged musical programmes to celebrate the day.

The trend of observing basant and arranging lavish parties had picked up during the Nawaz Sharif government about five years ago. The present government has however surpassed all previous records and deputed state machinery to arrange functions for all classes of people.

Meanwhile, the Fesco has constituted special teams for taking legal action against the violators for using metal wires and chemical strings.