Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a 10-day Basant festival in Lahore, with celebrations scheduled from January 29 to February 7, 2027.
The festival will include a one-day break on February 5 to mark Kashmir Day, according to the plan approved by the Punjab chief minister.
Describing the event as a special gift for the people of Lahore, CM Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities to organise the festivities while ensuring better arrangements for public safety and convenience.
Basant holds a long-standing cultural association with Lahore and Punjab. The festival returned to Lahore earlier this year after a 25-year hiatus, when celebrations were held from February 6 to 8.
According to the chief minister, extending the celebrations to 10 days would provide an opportunity to promote Punjab’s cultural heritage and Lahore’s traditional identity at both national and international levels.
Maryam Nawaz also directed the relevant authorities to improve safety arrangements compared with the previous Basant celebrations. Officials have been asked to ensure appropriate measures for the protection and convenience of citizens throughout the festival.
The chief minister appealed to Lahore residents to demonstrate responsibility and care during the celebrations. She expressed hope that citizens would help ensure that the festivities remain safe and that human lives are protected.
The planned Basant festival is expected to bring colour, cultural activities and public celebrations to Lahore during the winter season. The government is expected to announce further details regarding arrangements, safety measures and permitted activities as the festival approaches.
The decision comes as Punjab authorities seek to promote cultural and tourism-related activities across the province while maintaining public safety.
In a separate development, CM Maryam Nawaz also expressed appreciation for security forces following an operation in Mir Ali. She paid tribute to the personnel involved in the operation and said terrorists were killed and a large quantity of weapons was recovered.
The 10-day Basant programme in Lahore is scheduled to begin on January 29 and continue until February 7, with February 5 observed as a break for Kashmir Day.
