Lahoris will enjoy a “long weekend” during the Basant Festival, which will be celebrated from February 6, 2026, to February 8 in Lahore. According to details, the Punjab government is considering declaring Friday as a holiday while Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday are already declared holidays. In case of Friday’s holiday, Lahore will observe four holidays. The purpose is to make the Basant Festival historic and secure. A low number of motorcycles will be on the roads. 

Basant is returning to Lahore after 18 years, following the passage of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025, by the provincial assembly on December 24. Earlier, the Punjab government decided to decorate 23 important roads and locations of Lahore and allow playing loud music during the Basant Festival. Renowned singers Fareeha Pervez, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Arif Lohar, Hadiqa Kiyani, and Asim Raza will participate in the musical events. 

The 23 important locations of Lahore include Main Boulevard Gulberg, Noor Jahan Road, Main Market, Mehmood Kasuri Road will be decorated during Basant Festival and Jail Road, MM Alam Road, Khayaban-e-Firdousi, Khayaban-e-Jinnah, Sahrah-e-Tijarat, and Shadman Market are also included in the Basant Theme. 

Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, North Lahore, Circular Garden, Azadi Chowk, and Niazi Interchange will also be decorated. Paine Avenue, Ravi Toll Plaza, GT Road, Ravi Toll Plaza, M-2, Shahdara Flyover, and Ferozepur Road will be decorated. Basant Festival will be celebrated in a peaceful, secure, disciplined, and family manner.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)