CM Maryam approves 10-day Basant festival in Lahore

However, the celebrations will be suspended for one day on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the authorities to make arrangements for the 10-day festival, saying the event would provide Lahoris with an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the new year while promoting Punjab's cultural heritage.

She said the 10-day Basant festival would help showcase Punjab's cultural traditions and Lahore's centuries-old heritage to the world. The chief minister also directed the administration to ensure better arrangements for the safety and convenience of citizens than those made during the previous Basant celebrations.

Maryam Nawaz urged the public to demonstrate responsibility, civic sense and a strong commitment to protecting human lives during the festivities. She appealed to citizens to follow safety measures and help set another positive example, as they did during the previous Basant celebrations.

Basant returned to Lahore earlier this year after a 25-year hiatus, with celebrations held from February 6 to 8, 2026. The traditional kite-flying festival had remained suspended in Lahore for years due to safety concerns, particularly the use of dangerous kite strings.