Lahore to Celebrate 3-Day Basant Festival from February 6-8, 2026 After 18-Year Ban

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):** The Punjab government has announced the revival of the historic Basant festival in Lahore after an 18-year hiatus. The three-day event will take place from February 6 to 8, 2026.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari confirmed that the festival will be fully secured, organized, and strictly monitored, with stringent measures in place to prevent any loss of life. Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has approved the revival of this historic and cultural spring festival, celebrated worldwide for its traditional significance.

Ahead of the festival, a campaign will ensure that all motorcycles in the city are equipped with protective antennas to prevent accidents during kite flying. Law enforcement and relevant authorities will remain on high alert throughout the event.

Last week, the Punjab government lifted the Basant ban through the “Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025.” The ordinance empowers police officers of sub-inspector rank and above to make arrests and conduct searches without warrants based on credible information. The ordinance has also been submitted to the Punjab Assembly for formal legislation.

Historically, Basant has symbolized spring, prosperity, and a good harvest. Maharaja Ranjit Singh institutionalized the festival in the 19th century, making kite flying an integral part of the celebrations and establishing Lahore as its cultural hub. Over time, the festival spread to other regions of Punjab and across Pakistan.

The ban imposed in 2007 was due to accidents caused by metallic and glass-coated kite strings, resulting in injuries and fatalities, particularly among motorcyclists, along with incidents of celebratory gunfire.

This revival aims to bring back Lahore’s vibrant spring tradition in a safe and well-regulated manner.