Lahore welcomes the Basant festival back after 18 years with a massive five-day break. The Punjab government holidays now include a dedicated provincial holiday on February 6. Families are prepping rooftops as the sky prepares to fill with kites once again under strict new safety laws.

After nearly two decades, the Basant festival is officially back. The yellow banners fluttering in the breeze. The Punjab government holidays schedule changed everything this week. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz just confirmed a long weekend to help celebrate safely.

Notification of Holidays in Punjab 2026

The official notification of holidays in Punjab 2026 outlines a clear plan. Starting with Shab-e-Barat on February 4 and Kashmir Day on February 5. Then, the specific holiday notification for Basant adds Friday, February 6, as a local holiday. This creates a five-day stretch for the city to breathe and fly kites responsibly.

Weather During Basant Holidays in Lahore 2026

The basant holidays in Lahore 2026 come with high stakes and high winds. The Meteorological Department predicts dry weather and steady 15 km/h winds for February 6 and 7. Police drones already patrolling “Red Zones” to check for banned metallic strings. Safety rods are now mandatory on every bike to prevent the tragedies we remember from the past.

For many of us, these basant holidays represent more than just time off. It is about reclaiming a culture. Sellers are only offering registered cotton “pinna” strings with QR codes now. While the basant festival peaks this weekend, the message from the DC is loud: stay away from power lines and keep the skies safe for everyone.