Lahore, 01 October (H.S.):

Pakistan’s Punjab province has approved a 10-day Basant festival in Lahore, scheduled to take place from January 29 to February 7 next year.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the festival, saying the event would help promote the province’s historic cultural traditions. She also directed the relevant authorities to put stringent safety measures in place to protect citizens throughout the celebrations.

According to The News, Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari announced details of the 10-day festival on her official X account on Wednesday. She said the celebrations would be suspended for one day on February 5 in observance of Kashmir Day.

The announcement follows an earlier decision by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to hold a three-day Basant festival in Lahore from March 12 to 14, 2027, after an 18-year gap.

In a post on X, she had said Lahore would once again come alive with colour, culture, festivities, music, energy and its renowned hospitality.

The latest announcement also comes after Lahore hosted its first Basant celebrations in more than two decades last February, following the Punjab government’s decision to lift restrictions on kite flying.

Held under strict safety regulations, the three-day festival created a festive atmosphere across the provincial capital, with streets and neighbourhoods decorated for the occasion. The government also announced free transport services for visitors.

Senior provincial minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the successful organisation of the festival as a victory for Lahore and Pakistan, saying the city could look forward to an even more vibrant Basant the following year.

The upcoming 10-day celebration is expected to place renewed emphasis on Lahore’s cultural heritage while being conducted under enhanced safety regulations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar