Lahore likely to get four-day weekend as Basant returns after 18 years

LAHORE: The Punjab government is considering declaring Friday a public holiday to allow Lahorites to enjoy a four-day weekend during the Basant Festival, scheduled to be held in the city from February 6 to February 8, 2026.

Officials said Thursday, Saturday and Sunday already fall on holidays, and the addition of Friday would create an extended break aimed at facilitating smooth, secure and family-friendly celebrations of the festival.

Authorities believe the reduced movement of motorcycles and general traffic during the long weekend would help maintain safety and order across the city.

Basant is set to return to Lahore after an 18-year hiatus following the passage of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill, 2025, by the provincial assembly on December 24. The legislation paved the way for the regulated revival of the traditional festival, which had remained banned due to safety concerns.

As part of the celebrations, the provincial government has decided to decorate 23 major roads and locations across Lahore and allow controlled use of loud music during festival events.

Several renowned singers, including Fareeha Pervez, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Arif Lohar, Hadiqa Kiyani and Asim Raza, are expected to perform at musical programmes arranged during the festival.

Areas selected for decoration include Main Boulevard Gulberg, Noor Jahan Road, Main Market, Mehmood Kasuri Road, Jail Road, MM Alam Road, Khayaban-e-Firdousi, Khayaban-e-Jinnah, Sahrah-e-Tijarat and Shadman Market.

Other locations include Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Circular Garden, Azadi Chowk, Niazi Interchange, Pine Avenue, GT Road, Shahdara Flyover, Ravi Toll Plaza, M-2 and Ferozepur Road.

Officials said the Basant Festival would be celebrated in a peaceful, disciplined and secure manner, with a focus on safety and family participation.