Basant festival lights up Ferozepur, safety concerns over Chinese threads persist
Ferozepur, January 23, 2026: The vibrant Basant festival once again turned Ferozepur into a hub of colour, music, and cultural celebration, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. The skies came alive with thousands of kites, DJ music featuring popular Punjabi hits filled the air, and the night sky glowed with chandol, creating a star-like spectacle that left spectators mesmerised.
However, due to unusually chilly weather conditions, the Basant Mela could not be organised in Ferozepur this year, even as educational institutions remained closed for the festival.
While the festival showcased Punjab’s rich cultural vibrancy, the menace of banned Chinese kite threads remained a serious concern. Despite continuous efforts by the district administration, the use of Chinese manja has not been completely curbed. This season, only four cases of Chinese spool recovery have been reported out of a total 1,182 spools (gattos), compared to 1,043 recoveries in 2023 and 250 in 2024. Officials maintain that enforcement is ongoing, though eliminating the hazard entirely has proven challenging.
During the celebrations, two people sustained injuries due to Chinese threads and are currently undergoing treatment. Experts have stressed that stronger supply-side controls are urgently required to effectively tackle the problem and prevent such incidents in the future.
Amid the festivities, the Chandigarh-based Sachdeva family, originally from Ferozepur, launched an awareness campaign urging people to say ‘No’ to Chinese threads. Actively participating at various levels during Basant celebrations, the family emphasised public safety, the use of indigenous alternatives, and national pride.
The city’s markets and streets were decorated with colourful kites and bustling stalls, offering a mix of traditional and modern goods. Children and adults enthusiastically took part in kite flying and cultural programmes, while local traders reported a significant boost to business due to the festival rush.
The ongoing campaign against Chinese threads aims to prevent accidents and promote safe, eco-friendly celebrations. Citizens have been urged to support the initiative so that Basant can be enjoyed without risking lives.