Punjab approves 10-day Basant festival in Lahore for early 2027

According to a report in Dawn, the Punjab government has approved a schedule for a ten-day Basant festival in Lahore, to be held from January 29 to February 7, 2027. There will be a one-day suspension of festivities on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day.

The festival was reportedly banned in 2007 due to safety concerns, including deaths and injuries from sharp kite strings and celebratory gunfire. It returned earlier this year for three days after an 18-year hiatus.

In a statement, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to make arrangements, describing the event as a gift for the people and a means of promoting Punjab's cultural heritage.