The Punjab government has formally approved the revival of the Basant Festival, which will take place in Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026. Officials said the event will be held under strict safety rules and monitoring.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari told Dawn that the festival will be conducted in a regulated environment with comprehensive safety measures. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on X that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had approved the three-day celebration, marking the return of the historic festival after 25 years.
Read More: Sindh Approves E-Challan for Six More Districts
Aurangzeb said the government will launch a citywide drive to install safety antennas on all motorcycles before Basant begins. She added that every motorbike in Lahore will be equipped with an antenna as a precautionary measure.
Bokhari said the government has imposed strict conditions to prevent accidents and ensure public safety throughout the event.
Last week, the provincial government lifted the long-standing ban on Basant by introducing the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025. The ordinance authorizes police sub-inspectors to conduct searches and make arrests without warrants based on credible information. The legislation has been submitted to the Punjab Assembly for approval.
The revival brings back one of Lahore’s most celebrated cultural traditions, known for filling the city’s skyline with colorful kites and marking the arrival of spring.
