LAHORE(National times)- Preparations for Basant have begun in Lahore, with the sale of kites, spools, and kite string officially starting from today. Authorities have allowed 2,246 traders to conduct sales across Lahore. The buying and selling of kites and related items has been permitted from February 1 to February 8, after which a complete ban on the manufacturing and sale of kites will come into effect. According to reports, 2,504 traders have applied online so far. Of these, 163 registrations are still under process, while 95 applications have been rejected. The registration process will remain open until February 8, and more traders are expected to be registered in the coming days. As sales began, a large number of citizens flocked to inner-city markets to purchase Basant supplies. However, due to heavy crowds, many shopkeepers closed their shops within an hour. Residents have complained about high prices of kite materials. Market rates show that a single tawa gaddi is being sold for Rs250 to Rs300, while a one-and-a-half tawa gaddi is priced between Rs450 and Rs500. Meanwhile, a one-piece panna is selling for around Rs4,000, while a one-and-a-half piece panna has reached Rs6,000. Authorities have urged citizens to follow safety regulations during Basant celebrations to avoid accidents and ensure a safe festival atmosphere.