LAHORE: Lahore will celebrate the Basant festival for 10 days from January 29 to February 7, 2027, with festivities paused on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the schedule on Wednesday.
Basant festival Lahore 2027: the approved schedule
Under the schedule cleared by the chief minister, Basant festivities begin on January 29 and run until February 7. The one-day break on February 5 keeps the festival clear of Kashmir Day observances.
The extended celebration revises an earlier announcement. In August, the chief minister had announced the festival would be held from March 12 to 14, 2027. The latest decision changes both the dates and the duration. In May, the Punjab government had also announced a new set of rules and regulations for kite-flying during next year’s Basant.
Basant festival Lahore 2027: a festival returning after a long ban
Basant was banned in 2007 after a rising number of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp kite strings, particularly among motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as celebratory gunfire. The festival made its comeback this year from February 6 to 8, ending an 18-year hiatus.
The chief minister described the festival as a gift for the people of Lahore to mark the arrival of 2027 and a means of promoting Punjab’s cultural heritage and the historic traditions of the provincial capital.
Basant festival Lahore 2027: safety takes centre stage
Maryam Nawaz directed the administration to make better arrangements for public safety and convenience than during the previous festival. She appealed to citizens to celebrate responsibly, saying the authorities and the public should set a new example through duty, responsibility and commitment to protecting human lives.
She told the relevant departments to begin preparations well in advance and to ensure the extended festivities did not compromise public safety. She stressed that the success of the 10-day event depended on strict adherence to safety regulations and responsible behaviour by citizens.
“Ten-day Basant will promote Punjab’s cultural colours and Lahore’s centuries-old traditions across the world,” the chief minister was quoted as saying.
Frequently asked questions
When will Lahore’s Basant festival take place?
The 10-day festival runs from January 29 to February 7, 2027, with celebrations suspended on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day.
Why was Basant banned earlier?
The festival was banned in 2007 because of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp kite strings, especially to motorcyclists and pillion riders, along with celebratory gunfire.
When did Basant last take place in Lahore?
Lahore celebrated Basant earlier this year from February 6 to 8, ending an 18-year hiatus after the 2007 ban.
What safety measures has the chief minister ordered?
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to begin preparations well in advance, enforce strict safety regulations, and ensure better arrangements than the previous festival, while appealing to citizens to celebrate responsibly.
Has the schedule changed from earlier announcements?
Yes. In August, the chief minister announced the festival for March 12 to 14, 2027. The latest approval revises the dates to January 29 to February 7 and extends the festival to 10 days.
