Lahore, September 30, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a 10-day Basant festival in Lahore to mark the arrival of the new year 2027, according to an official announcement.
The celebrations will be held across Lahore from January 29 to February 7, 2027, with a one-day suspension on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day.
Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities to make comprehensive arrangements for the festival, saying the event would provide citizens an opportunity to celebrate while promoting Punjab’s cultural heritage.
She said the 10-day festival would showcase Punjab’s cultural traditions and Lahore’s centuries-old heritage to the world.
The chief minister also instructed the administration to ensure improved arrangements for the safety and convenience of citizens compared with the previous Basant celebrations.
She urged citizens to demonstrate responsibility and civic sense and to prioritise the protection of human lives during the festivities.
Maryam Nawaz appealed to the public to follow safety measures and help set another positive example, as she said citizens had done 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 because of safety concerns, particularly the use of dangerous kite strings.
