The Punjab government has officially announced Basant-related public holidays across the province, giving citizens and students a long weekend in February 2026. The decision has gained massive public attention as the government moves toward the revival of the traditional Basant festival along with national observances.
This latest notification applies to government offices, educational institutions, and several public sector departments across Punjab. Here is everything you need to know about the Punjab Basant holidays 2026 schedule, eligibility, benefits, and official notification details.
Punjab Basant Holidays 2026 – Complete Overview
The Punjab administration has declared a four-day holiday period from February 5 to February 8, 2026. These holidays include both national and provincial observances along with the weekly Sunday break.
Punjab February 2026 Holiday Schedule
| Date | Day | Holiday Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 February 2026 | Thursday | National Holiday | Kashmir Solidarity Day |
| 6 February 2026 | Friday | Provincial Public Holiday | Basant Festival Revival |
| 7 February 2026 | Saturday | Provincial Holiday | Weekend Holiday |
| 8 February 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Off | Regular Sunday |
According to the notification, all institutions will resume normal operations from Monday, February 9, 2026.
Little Detail About Basant Revival in Punjab
Basant is one of Punjab’s historic cultural festivals, widely known for kite flying and spring celebrations. The provincial government is taking steps to revive Basant with safety regulations and official monitoring.
The initiative aims to:
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Promote Punjab’s cultural traditions
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Encourage tourism and local economic activity
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Provide recreational opportunities for families and youth
The revival has been widely welcomed by the public, especially in Lahore and major urban centers.
Eligibility – Who Will Get Basant Holidays?
The Punjab government holiday notification covers a wide range of departments and institutions.
Institutions Included
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Provincial government offices
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Semi-government departments
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Autonomous government bodies
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Public and private educational institutions
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Colleges and universities across Punjab
Employees and students falling under these categories will be eligible for the announced holidays.
Limitations and Important Guidelines
Although the holidays provide relief to citizens, certain limitations and instructions remain in place:
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Emergency services like hospitals, rescue services, and security departments will remain operational.
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Authorities have warned the public to avoid unsafe kite flying practices.
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Government has advised citizens to rely only on official notifications and avoid fake holiday announcements circulating on social media.
Benefits of Punjab Basant Holiday Announcement
The Basant holiday notification brings multiple advantages for citizens and institutions.
Public Benefits
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Provides extended family time through a long weekend
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Encourages cultural and recreational activities
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Supports local businesses and tourism
Educational Benefits
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Students receive extra rest and preparation time
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Opportunity for safe participation in cultural events
Economic Benefits
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Boosts small businesses related to Basant celebrations
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Promotes tourism especially in major cities
Safety Measures Announced by Authorities
To ensure safe Basant celebrations, authorities have introduced precautionary steps. Courts have directed local administrations to arrange:
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Medical camps in celebration areas
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Monitoring of kite flying activities
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Public awareness campaigns about safety guidelines
These measures aim to reduce accidents and ensure a controlled celebration environment.
Official Applying Process or Action Required
Since this is a government-announced public holiday, citizens do not need to apply or submit any request. The holidays are automatically applicable to eligible institutions and departments.
However, individuals working in essential services should confirm duty schedules from their respective departments.
Government Warning Regarding Fake Holiday Notifications
The Punjab government has recently clarified that some fake holiday notifications are circulating, including claims about additional holidays related to religious events.
Citizens are strongly advised to:
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Check official government announcements
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Avoid sharing unverified notifications
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Follow updates from authentic provincial government sources
Will Basant holidays be observed in all districts of Punjab?
Yes, the announced holidays apply across the entire province for eligible government and educational institutions.
When will offices and schools reopen after Basant holidays?
All institutions will reopen on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Is February 4 included in the official holiday schedule?
No, the government has confirmed that February 4 is not included in the official holiday notification.
Will private schools and colleges also remain closed?
Yes, both public and private educational institutions are included in the holiday notification.
Are government hospitals closed during Basant holidays?
No, hospitals and emergency services will continue to operate as usual.
Final Thoughts
The Punjab government’s decision to announce Basant holidays has generated excitement among citizens while promoting cultural revival and recreational activities. With proper safety measures and official monitoring, the festival is expected to bring positivity and economic activity across the province. Citizens are encouraged to celebrate responsibly and stay updated through authentic government notifications.
