ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to welcome Basant 2027 with a 10-day celebration in Lahore from January 29 to February 7, under a revised schedule approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, with festivities suspended on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day.
The revised plan marks a significant expansion from the three-day festival initially announced for March 12–14, 2027, as the provincial government seeks to promote Lahore’s cultural heritage while placing greater emphasis on public safety and regulated kite flying.
Lahore is getting ready for 10 days of colour, culture and celebration! Basant will be held from January 29 to February 7. pic.twitter.com/0x4HzpvQiC
— PMLN (@pmln_org) September 30, 2026
According to a statement issued after a meeting chaired by the chief minister, preparations for the extended festivities will begin well in advance to ensure that the celebrations remain safe and convenient for residents and visitors.
Maryam Nawaz directed the administration to make better arrangements for public safety and convenience than those made during the previous Basant. She also urged citizens to celebrate responsibly and comply with safety regulations.
“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.
Lahore is getting ready for an even bigger Basant!
CM Maryam Nawaz has announced a 10-day Basant festival from January 29 to February 7, 2027. pic.twitter.com/ivrOgws3VG
— PMLN (@pmln_org) September 30, 2026
Earlier announcement had scheduled Basant for March
The Punjab government had previously announced that Basant 2027 would be held in Lahore from March 12 to 14, following the festival’s return in February 2026 after an 18-year hiatus. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had announced the March dates in August.
The government has now revised those dates and extended the festival to 10 days, from January 29 to February 7, with February 5 excluded from celebrations for Kashmir Day.
🪁 Basant Returns to Lahore! 🪁
Lahore is ready to burst into colour, culture and celebration! ✨
Kudos Chief Minister Punjab @MaryamNSharif, join us for 10 days of Basant festivities! pic.twitter.com/YyrVZuAcH1— Tanzil Gillani (@TanzilGillani) September 30, 2026
Strict safety rules for kite flying
The extended celebration will be held under regulations designed to prevent accidents associated with dangerous kite strings.
Only approved kites and cotton string will be permitted, while chemical-coated, metallic and sharp string will remain prohibited. The Lahore administration has also outlined restrictions on other potentially dangerous materials and activities.
Authorities have been preparing the regulatory system well ahead of the festival, including registration and scrutiny of kite manufacturers. Officials have said the licensing process will focus on ensuring that manufacturers meet prescribed legal and safety standards.
The Lahore district administration has also warned against the illegal transportation of kite-flying material into the city and said enforcement teams are conducting checks at major entry points.
CM @MaryamNSharif announces 10 days of Basant celebrations in Lahore, from January 29 to February 7 pic.twitter.com/ttKWZk8bJI
— Eleven (@elevenonfries) September 30, 2026
Basant returns after 18-year hiatus
Lahore celebrated Basant from February 6 to 8, 2026, marking the festival’s first official return after an 18-year pause.
The festival had been banned in 2007 following deaths and serious injuries linked particularly to sharp kite strings, including incidents involving motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as celebratory gunfire.
The 2026 revival was conducted under a tightly regulated framework, with authorities using police deployment, risk zoning, rooftop monitoring and surveillance measures to improve public safety.
Read Also: Pakistan to Host Three Day long Mega Event to Mark Basant 2027 Festival in Lahore
Basant’s cultural significance
Basant is traditionally associated with the arrival of spring in Punjab and is recognised for its colourful kites, yellow clothing, music, food and festive gatherings.
Lahore has historically been one of the major centres of Basant celebrations, with rooftops across the city becoming gathering places for families and kite enthusiasts.
Read Also: The Joy and Peril of Kite Flying
The Punjab government has described the revival and expansion of the festival as an opportunity to showcase Lahore’s cultural traditions to a wider audience.
Read Also: Lahore Prepares for Grand Basant 2026 Revival with Enhanced Safety and Citywide Celebrations
For Basant 2027, authorities face the dual task of preserving the festival’s cultural character while enforcing rules intended to protect residents, visitors, motorists and kite enthusiasts from the risks historically associated with unsafe kite flying.
