Punjab Lifts 18-Year Ban as Basant Festival Returns to Lahore in February 2026

After an 18-year hiatus, Lahore is set to welcome back the vibrant Basant festival, as the Punjab government has approved its revival under strict safety regulations. The three-day celebration will take place from February 6 to 8, 2026, marking a significant return of the historic kite-flying tradition.

The festival had been banned in 2007 following a rise in fatal accidents and serious injuries, largely caused by razor-sharp kite strings that endangered motorcyclists and pedestrians, along with incidents of celebratory gunfire.

Confirming the development, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari told Dawn on Wednesday that Basant would be organised in a “fully regulated, safe, and closely monitored manner.”

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also announced the decision on X, stating that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had approved the revival of the cultural festival. She described Basant as a cherished heritage event with deep historical roots, noting that it would once again be celebrated across Lahore after decades.

To address safety concerns, Aurangzeb said the provincial government has ordered a city-wide installation of protective antennas on all motorcycles. The campaign will begin immediately, ensuring that every motorbike in Lahore is equipped with safety antennas before and during the festival.

Welcoming the return of the event, she added that the arrival of spring would once again fill Lahore’s skies with colour, restoring the city’s long-standing reputation as a centre of culture and celebration.