CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz approves 10-day Basant celebrations in Lahore

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a 10-day Basant festival in Lahore, announcing what she described as a major festive gift for the city’s residents.

According to the announcement, Basant celebrations will be held from January 29 to February 7, 2027, with a one-day break on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day.

Basant was revived in Lahore earlier this year after a gap of 25 years, with celebrations held from February 6 to 8.

For the upcoming New Year, CM Maryam has directed that Lahorites be given the opportunity to celebrate Basant over a longer period of 10 days.

CM Maryam said the 10-day celebrations would help promote the cultural colours of Punjab and Lahore’s centuries-old historical tradition around the world.

She said the festival would provide an opportunity to showcase Lahore’s cultural heritage and traditional festivities to an international audience.

Focus on public safety

The chief minister directed authorities to introduce more comprehensive safety and facilitation measures than those implemented during the previous Basant celebrations.

Maryam Nawaz stressed that the protection of human life must remain the top priority during the festivities and called on officials to perform their duties with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. She also appealed to the public to demonstrate the same sense of responsibility and help ensure that the celebrations remain safe.

The chief minister urged citizens and authorities to set a new example, as they did during the previous Basant, by making public safety, responsibility and civic discipline central to the celebrations.