Punjab will observe a four-day long holiday from February 5 to 8 after the provincial government officially declared Friday and Saturday as public holidays across the province. The announcement was made through an official notification issued on Tuesday.
According to the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), February 6 and 7, 2026 (Friday and Saturday) will be observed as public holidays in Punjab, creating an extended break for residents.
Maryam Nawaz Encourages Public to Enjoy Long Weekend
A day earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz urged citizens to make positive use of the upcoming long weekend, calling it a chance to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the chief minister outlined the holiday sequence. She said February 5 will be observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day, followed by a provincial holiday for Basant on February 6, with Saturday and Sunday completing the long weekend.
The CM encouraged people across Punjab to spend the extended break constructively and return refreshed.
Basant Festival to Return Under Strict Regulations
After years of absence from Lahore’s winter skies, Basant is set to make a cautious comeback as the Punjab government moves to revive the festival under strict regulations. Once synonymous with colourful kites, rooftops, and the arrival of spring, Basant had long remained suspended due to safety concerns.
Traditionally celebrated in late January or early February, Basant marks the beginning of spring and has historically been observed across Punjab, including parts of India and among Punjabi communities worldwide, with kite flying as its central tradition.
Why Basant Was Banned in Punjab
In Pakistan’s Punjab, Basant faced controversy in the early 2000s due to fatal accidents caused by celebratory gunfire, glass-coated strings, metallic wires, and rooftop falls. These incidents led authorities to impose a complete ban on Basant in 2007.
Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025
The revival of Basant follows the introduction of the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, which allows the festival’s return under unprecedented safety restrictions. The ordinance strictly regulates kite size, string material, rooftop access, and sound systems.
Under official notifications issued by the Lahore district administration on the directives of CM Maryam Nawaz, kite flying will be allowed only within Lahore’s district limits and only during three designated days. Enforcement of the ban will remain strict in other parts of Punjab.
Strict Rules for Kite Flying
Authorities have imposed a complete ban on nylon, plastic, chemical-coated, glass-coated strings, metallic wire, and unsafe spools. Only cotton string wound into round ‘pinna’ spools will be permitted, each carrying a QR code to ensure traceability and regulatory oversight.
