Lahore is set to come alive again as the historic Basant Festival officially returns after nearly two decades. The Punjab government has announced two public holidays to celebrate Basant 2026, turning the event into a long weekend for residents. The decision has created excitement across the province, especially in Lahore, where Basant has deep cultural roots.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has confirmed that Basant will be celebrated under strict safety rules, with the aim of reviving Punjab’s cultural identity while ensuring public protection.
Punjab Announces Basant Holidays in Lahore
The Punjab government has declared Friday, February 6, 2026, as a provincial public holiday for the Basant Festival. This holiday will be followed by Saturday and Sunday, creating a long weekend across Punjab, especially in Lahore.
In addition, earlier public holidays in the same week have further extended the break, making it one of the longest holiday stretches of early 2026 for Lahore residents.
Complete Holiday Schedule for Basant Week
Here is the confirmed holiday timeline surrounding Basant 2026:
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February 4 (Wednesday): Public holiday for Shab-e-Barat
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February 5 (Thursday): National holiday for Kashmir Solidarity Day
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February 6 (Friday): Provincial Basant holiday
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February 7 (Saturday): Weekend holiday
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February 8 (Sunday): Weekly holiday
This schedule effectively gives many people five continuous days off, boosting travel, tourism, and economic activity in Lahore.
Basant Festival Dates and Weather Update
Basant will be celebrated from February 6 to February 8, 2026, and kite flying will only be allowed during these three days within Lahore district limits.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, weather conditions are expected to be mostly favorable:
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February 6–7: Dry weather with clear skies
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February 8: Dry weather with light cloud cover
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Winds: Light westerly to north-westerly winds (10–15 km/h), suitable for kite flying
Citizens have been advised to remain cautious, especially near roads and electricity lines.
Strict Safety Rules for Basant 2026
To avoid past tragedies, the Punjab government has enforced strict SOPs for Basant:
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Only cotton kite string is allowed
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Metallic or chemical-coated strings are completely banned
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Oversized kites are not permitted
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Kites with images of people, religious texts, political parties, or national flags are prohibited
Violations can result in up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 2 million.
Security, Monitoring, and Free Transport
To ensure safety during the festival:
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Drone surveillance will monitor street activities
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Over 10,000 police personnel and traffic wardens are deployed
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Monitoring camps have been set up in high-, medium-, and low-risk areas
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All city entry points are under strict checking
To reduce motorcycle traffic, the Punjab government has announced free travel on:
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Orange Line Metro Train
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Metro Bus
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Other mass transit services in Lahore
Additionally, over 1 million safety rods are being installed on motorcycles to protect riders from kite strings.
Why Basant’s Return Matters for Punjab
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described Basant as a symbol of Punjab’s cultural revival. She emphasized that Basant dates back to around 1250 and marks the arrival of spring, symbolized by the color yellow.
According to the Punjab government, Basant has already generated economic activity worth billions of rupees, with hotels and guest houses fully booked and tourists arriving from within Pakistan and abroad. Check on Govt Site.
To clear up confusion
Will there be public holidays for Basant 2026?
Yes, February 6 has been declared a provincial public holiday, followed by Saturday and Sunday.
When is kite flying allowed in Lahore?
Kite flying is only permitted from February 6 to February 8, 2026.
Is metallic kite string allowed during Basant?
No, metallic and chemical-coated strings are strictly banned.
Will public transport be free during Basant?
Yes, free travel will be available on major mass transit systems in Lahore during the festival days.
Can people celebrate Basant outside Lahore?
No, Basant 2026 is being held as a pilot project and is limited to Lahore only.
Closing Note
The return of Basant Festival 2026 in Lahore, along with officially announced holidays, marks a major cultural milestone for Punjab. With clear rules, strong security, and government support, Basant is set to bring color, celebration, and economic growth back to the heart of Lahore—while keeping public safety at the forefront.
