THE season of spring is here — and with it, the usual crackdown on those attempting to celebrate it. For years now, the authorities in Punjab have cited safety concerns as the reason behind their ban on Basant, the traditional festival that paints the skies with radiant colours, as thousands take part in kite-flying competitions. No doubt there is some truth to their apprehensions. The use of glass-coated or metal strings, rooftops without guardrails and celebratory firing have all taken their toll on lives. This year has been no exception. On Friday, at least three people died in Basant-related incidents in Rawalpindi while many were injured. Meanwhile, police claimed they had rounded up more than 300 people violating the ban. Should safety concerns, then, trump the joy the season has brought to millions?

It is unfortunate that those in charge often adopt the quickest route to solving a challenge. For instance, instead of introducing arbitrary rules to curb kite-flying, there could have been a genuine attempt at making it safer. There are ways of doing that, as we have said previously in this space. Cotton strings can be attached by ensuring that kite manufacturers do not use hazardous material that could injure people, especially motorcyclists. Large public places can be designated for kite-flying and rules enforced to secure rooftops. Such steps, and more public awareness, could make Basant a lively celebration once again, without endangering life and limb. However, are we up to the challenge of shunning the easy way out and lifting the ban? Of understanding that stifling excitement and joy will only cause more frustration in a people that have very few happy occasions to celebrate as a nation? Moreover, there is a large obscurantist segment that views Basant as a ‘Hindu’ festival. Reintroducing Basant, with some safety measures, would send a strong message that the state supports citizens’ right to enjoy themselves and will not allow regressive thinking to prevail.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2023