Lahore to celebrate 10-day Basant festival from Jan 29 to Feb 7 next year

Lahore will host a 10-day Basant festival from January 29 to February 7 next year, with a one-day pause on February 5 for Kashmir Day, according to a schedule approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The festival, which was last held earlier this year from February 6 to 8 after an 18-year break, was previously banned in 2007 due to numerous deaths and serious injuries caused by kite strings and celebratory gunfire.

During a meeting, Maryam directed authorities to arrange for a 10-day celebration, which she described as a gift for Lahore's people to mark the arrival of 2027 and a way to showcase the province's cultural heritage and historical traditions.

The revised schedule stipulates that festivities will commence on January 29 and conclude on February 7, with celebrations halted on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day. CM Maryam emphasized that the extended festivities would bolster Punjab's cultural colors and Lahore's centuries-old traditions globally. She directed the administration to ensure superior public safety and convenience compared to the previous festival and appealed to citizens to celebrate responsibly, urging authorities and the public to set a new example through duty, responsibility, and a commitment to protecting human lives.

Maryam stressed that Lahore's cultural identity and traditions should be promoted while ensuring safe and convenient celebrations for residents and visitors. The chief minister expects the success of the 10-day event to hinge on strict adherence to safety regulations and responsible behavior from citizens. In August, the CM announced the festival would occur from March 12 to 14, 2027, but the government later revised the schedule.

In May, the Punjab government unveiled new rules and regulations for kite-flying during next year's Basant festival.