The Government of Punjab has officially announced that the Basant festival will be celebrated only in Lahore and on a limited scale, putting an end to speculation about province-wide celebrations. Despite earlier expectations, the government has made it clear that kite flying will remain banned in all other districts of Punjab.
This decision brings Basant back to Lahore after 18 years, following the approval of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025, by the provincial assembly on December 24. I have seen many citizens hopeful about Basant’s return, but the government has chosen a cautious approach, allowing the festival strictly as a controlled pilot project in Lahore.
Three-Day Basant Festival Announced in Lahore
According to an official notification issued by the Lahore administration, Basant celebrations in Lahore will take place for three days, from February 6 to February 8, 2026. The notification was issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner, clearly stating that the festival will be limited to the provincial capital only.
The decision was formally confirmed during the 46th Cabinet Committee on Law and Order meeting held at the Punjab Home Department. The meeting was chaired by Khawaja Salman Rafique and attended by senior officials, including divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners, who joined via video link to discuss Basant-related arrangements and security planning.
Zero Tolerance Policy Outside Lahore
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi briefed the meeting that the provincial cabinet has approved Basant exclusively for Lahore, with a zero-tolerance policy in all other districts. Officials made it clear that any kite flying outside Lahore would be a direct violation of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance, 2025, and would result in strict legal action.
I personally feel this clear messaging is important because, in the past, confusion around enforcement led to safety issues. This time, authorities have drawn a firm line to avoid illegal celebrations and ensure public safety across Punjab.
Basant Declared a Pilot Project
Authorities described the Lahore Basant celebration as a pilot project, warning that even a single serious accident could lead to a permanent ban on the festival. Officials urged citizens to follow safety rules strictly and avoid illegal kite strings or unsafe practices.
In my view, calling it a pilot project shows the government is testing whether Basant can be celebrated responsibly after years of restrictions. The success or failure of this limited event may determine whether Basant has any future beyond Lahore.
Special Transport Arrangements During Basant
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed public transport operators to provide free bus and rickshaw rides during the festival days. She also advised citizens to limit motorcycle use to reduce traffic congestion and accident risks.
The government is also considering deploying buses from colleges and universities to help manage traffic flow during the celebrations. I like this move because transport planning is often ignored during large events, leading to chaos and safety concerns.
Final Update
To sum up, Basant will be celebrated only in Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026, under strict rules and monitoring. Kite flying remains completely banned in all other districts of Punjab, with legal action promised against violators.
The government has urged citizens to cooperate fully, follow safety guidelines, and ensure that this long-awaited return of Basant does not end in tragedy. Whether Basant survives beyond this pilot phase will depend entirely on how responsibly the festival is observed this year.
