Lahore: The Punjab government has officially announced public holidays on February 6 (Friday) and February 7 (Saturday) to mark the Basant festival, according to a notification issued by the provincial Services and General Administration Department.
Earlier, on Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had announced a “long weekend” for the province, confirming the Basant holiday. She shared on X (formerly Twitter) that, with Kashmir Day on February 5 followed by the Basant holiday and the weekend, residents of Punjab will get an extended break. “We hope people across Punjab use this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the festivities,” she added.
Basant Panchami, celebrated on the fifth day (‘Panchami’) of the lunar month Magh, symbolizes the arrival of spring, prosperity for upcoming crops, and good fortune.
The kite-flying festival had been banned in Punjab since 2007 due to increasing accidents and injuries, particularly from sharp strings, and occasional celebratory gunfire. However, after 18 years, Basant is set to make a comeback, following the lifting of the ban by the Punjab government in December 2025.
Under the newly implemented Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, only kite strings made from thread will be permitted, while metallic, chemical-coated, or sharp strings remain strictly prohibited to ensure public safety.