Punjab announces official date for next Basant festival

2026-02-19 - 05:53

LAHORE – The Punjab government has officially addressed the rumors circulating about the potential second Basant festival following Eidul Fitr 2026. The rumours started surfacing on social media days after Lahore hosted the Basant festival 2026 in early February for the first time after a gap of 25 years. Amid rumors circulating on social media about the Punjab government’s plans to announce another Basant celebration in Lahore next month, the All Pakistan Kite Flying Association (APMBA) earlier this month expressed optimism about holding Basant again in March, following the success and safety of the recent event. APMBA’s Patron-in-Chief, Aqeel Malik, highlighted the cultural and economic success of the recent Basant celebration, which revived Lahore’s lost cultural festival and generated over Rs20 billion in economic activity across the city. Basant Festival Date Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has shared an official message, clarifying that no any second Basant event will be held this year. She stated that the next Basant event will now be held in February 2027. Bukhari stated that while some individuals in various cities of Punjab tried to celebrate Basant following an event in Lahore, no strict action was taken against them as no significant damage was reported. It is recalled that the provincial government had re-imposed ban on kite flying in Lahore and other cities of Punjab immediately after the Basant event. Police have warned that stern action will be taken against those found involved in violation of the laws.