The Punjab government has declared a series of holidays in Lahore that will give residents a five-day break from February 4 to February 8, 2026. This combines national and religious observances with the return of the traditional Basant festival after many years.
Lahore residents are looking forward to an extended holiday period next month as the Punjab government aligns several key dates. The break starts on Wednesday, February 4, with a province-wide public holiday for Shab-e-Barat, a night observed by many Muslims for prayers and reflection.
This is followed by Youm-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Solidarity Day) on Thursday, February 5, which remains a national public holiday across Pakistan every year to express support for Kashmiris.
The weekend naturally adds Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8. Friday, February 6, has been declared a local holiday specifically in Lahore to mark the start of Basant celebrations.
Basant, the spring kite-flying festival, will run from February 6 to 8, 2026. This marks its revival in the city after an 18-year break due to past safety concerns. The Punjab government has approved it under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, with strict rules in place to prevent accidents.
Safety Rules and Preparations for Basant
Authorities have put in place clear guidelines for a safe event:
- Kite flying is permitted only in Lahore district and only on those three days.
- Only plain, single-color, or multi-color cotton kites are allowed—no metallic, glass-coated, chemical, or nylon strings.
- Kites with political, religious, or flag imagery are banned.
- Sales of kites and accessories are restricted to licensed dealers from February 1 to 8.
- No loud music, aerial firing, or unsafe rooftop gatherings.
- Special monitoring with drones and cameras, plus safety measures for children and families.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority has banned kite flying in public parks, directing activities to designated grounds or notified rooftops. Officials stress that the focus is on recreation without risks.
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Local organizers are planning community events, music programs, and kite competitions under these controls. The government describes this as a government-sponsored, safe return of a cultural tradition.
Public Reaction and What It Means
People in Lahore have welcomed the arrangement, seeing it as a chance to honor both religious dates and local customs. Many plan family time, rooftop gatherings, and joining in the colorful sky filled with kites.
This five-day stretch offers a rare long break in early February, blending national solidarity, religious observance, and cultural joy.
