Lahore to celebrate Basant for 10 days from Jan 29 to Feb 7

Lahore will celebrate the Basant festival for 10 days from January 29 to February 7, 2027, with festivities suspended on February 5 for Kashmir Day, under a schedule approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday. The provincial government said the chief minister directed relevant authorities to begin preparations for the extended celebrations and ensure stronger arrangements for public safety and convenience than those made during this year’s festival. “Ten-day Basant will promote Punjab’s cultural colours and Lahore’s centuries-old traditions across the world, ” Maryam said, according to a statement. She described the festival as a gift for Lahore’s people to mark the arrival of 2027 and said it would help promote Punjab’s cultural heritage and the historic traditions of the provincial capital. The chief minister urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, stressing that the success of the 10-day event would depend on strict compliance with safety regulations and responsible behaviour. Lahore hosted Basant from February 6 to 8 this year after an 18-year hiatus. The festival had been banned in 2007 following deaths and serious injuries linked to sharp kite strings, particularly among motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as incidents of celebratory gunfire. The latest schedule represents a revision to an earlier announcement. In August, Maryam had said Basant would be held from March 12 to 14, 2027. The Punjab government has also introduced rules for kite-flying and related activities ahead of next year’s festival. The Lahore district administration has mandated registration and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for kite and thread manufacturers as part of preparations for Safe Basant 2027. Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain Muhammad Ali Ijaz (retd) announced the launch of the Basant Portal 2027 and said all individuals and entities involved in manufacturing kites and related materials would be required to obtain formal approval through the district portal. Meanwhile, Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin has directed authorities to finalise a comprehensive beautification and cultural plan for the festival. At a meeting on earlier this month, Yasin reviewed preparations and directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to decorate major roads, entry points and heritage sites with themed floats, lighting and floral displays. PHA Director General Ahmad Usman Javed briefed the meeting on arrangements for the upcoming festival. The provincial government has said safety measures would remain a key priority as Lahore prepares for the extended Basant celebrations.

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