Lahore lit up its skies with fireworks as the Basant kite festival made a cautious return after years of ban. At midnight, thousands cheered while flying vibrant kites from rooftops across the city. Aamer Iqbal, a 50-year-old banker, told Al Jazeera, “When I let [the kite] go, my entire childhood came flooding back.” The festival marks the arrival of spring and has deep roots in Punjab’s culture. It was banned for nearly 20 years but has now returned under strict regulations. Businessman Muhammad Mubashir noted that young people are just learning kite flying as the tradition was lost during the ban. Basant’s history dates back centuries and was institutionalized in Lahore during the 19th century Sikh Empire. Before 1947, people of all faiths celebrated Basant together. The festival was made famous internationally in the 1980s thanks to efforts by cultural patrons and cricket star Imran Khan. Local communities remember Basant as a lively day of color, music, and friendly kite battles. However, officials remain cautious, especially following a recent attack in Islamabad. Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif canceled her official Basant events, while public celebrations continue under close watch. Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said, “The priority is to first demonstrate that Basant can be celebrated responsibly.” For many, including Iqbal, Basant is more than a festival; it’s a bridge between generations. “This was something which my parents gave to me... it is equally important now that I should pass on the knowledge to my children,” he said.