Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday approved a 10-day Basant festival in Lahore from January 29 to February 7, 2027, following the festival’s “successful” return last year.
According to a spokesperson, the Basant celebrations will pause for one day on February 5 for Kashmir Day.
In a statement, the provincial chief executive said Basant would help promote Punjab’s historic cultural tradition.
She directed authorities concerned to ensure the best possible measures for the safety of citizens during the celebrations.
Taking to her official X account, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari shared details of the 10-day festivities.
CM Maryam had earlier announced a three-day Basant festival in Lahore from March 12 to 14, 2027, after an 18-year hiatus.
In an X post, she had said Lahore would once again come alive with colour, culture, festivity, music, energy and legendary hospitality.
Lahore celebrated its first Basant festival in more than two decades last February after the Punjab government had lifted a ban on kite-flying.
The three-day festivities, held under strict rules, had brought a festive buzz to the provincial capital, with roads and streets lit up with lights and decorations as rooftop gatherings and celebrations continued late into the night.
The relevant authorities had taken several measures to facilitate the public on the occasion, including a free transport service.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb had termed the successful Basant celebrations a victory for Lahore and Pakistan, saying an even more vibrant Basant would be seen the following year.
She had said around 2 million people had used the transport facility over the three days, while 1 million vehicles had entered Punjab.
