CM Maryam approves 10-day basant festival in Punjab from Jan 29

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday approved a 10-day Basant festival to be celebrated across the province, ARY News reported.

The Chief Minister directed authorities to organize the 10-day event as a new year’s gift for the people of Punjab to mark the arrival of 2027.

In accordance with her instructions, the Basant festivities will run across the province from January 29 to February 7, 2027.

However, CM Maryam Nawaz specified that celebrations will be paused for one day on February 5 to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The decision comes after the festival made a grand return to the province last year following a hiatus of 25 years.

Earlier, authorities in Lahore have appealed to residents to complete safety measures ahead of Basant 2027, saying the steps are aimed at protecting lives and ensuring a safe festival.

The district administration in Lahore has also imposed a complete ban on the transportation of kite-flying materials through courier companies and transport services in the city.

In a notice issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Lahore, it was stated that transporters and drivers found carrying illegal kite-flying materials into the city from other districts or provinces would face criminal charges, including registration of an FIR against them, suspension of their driving licences, and confiscation of the goods.

Joint teams of police and the district administration are carrying out round-the-clock checks at entry points to the city, including Ravi, Thokar, Shahdara, Babu Sabu and Saggian, in an effort to prevent the movement of illegal materials.

Residents have also been urged to report suspected illegal transportation or supply of kite-flying materials to the Deputy Commissioner’s control room at 0307-0002345.