Punjab government plans to celebrate Basant across province in March 2027, sources say

The Punjab government has decided in principle to celebrate the Basant festival across the province next year, with preparations

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided in principle to celebrate the Basant festival across the province next year, with preparations expected to begin in October 2026, according to sources familiar with the development.

Sources told Minute Mirror that the provincial government has given initial approval for organising the traditional spring festival across Punjab in a regulated manner. The celebrations are expected to take place during the second week of March 2027, subject to the finalisation of arrangements and regulations.

According to sources, the government is preparing a comprehensive administrative plan to organise the festival while ensuring that kite-making and related activities take place at designated locations. The proposed arrangements are intended to establish a formal framework for celebrations across the province.

The production and manufacturing of kites and strings are expected to begin in October 2026, sources said. The government is also working on a strategy to keep the prices of kites and strings under control to make the festival more accessible to the public and discourage excessive price increases during the festive period.

Sources said the provincial government plans to introduce legislation specifically addressing the organisation of Basant. The proposed law is expected to outline the conditions under which the festival can be celebrated, including safety requirements and regulations governing kite-flying activities.

The legal framework is expected to play a central role in determining how the festival will be conducted. Officials are reportedly working on arrangements to regulate kite production, identify approved locations and establish rules for participants.

The announcement of designated places for kite-making and other festival-related activities, along with detailed rules and regulations, is expected in the coming days, according to sources. Further details regarding the implementation of the plan have not yet been officially announced.

Basant is traditionally associated with the arrival of spring and has long been celebrated in Punjab, particularly in Lahore. Kite-flying, colourful rooftops and festive gatherings have historically been among its defining features. However, concerns over public safety and dangerous kite strings have made the regulation of the festival a significant issue for the authorities.

The proposed legislation is expected to address safety concerns by establishing rules for kite-flying and related activities. The government’s reported plan to designate specific locations and regulate production suggests an effort to organise the celebrations under a controlled system.

Keeping the prices of kites and strings stable is another key element of the proposed strategy. Demand for festival-related products typically rises ahead of major celebrations, making price management an important consideration for organisers and consumers alike.

Although the Punjab government has reportedly approved the plan in principle, the final arrangements, approved locations and detailed safety regulations are still awaited. The expected announcements will clarify how the celebrations will be organised and what restrictions participants and manufacturers will be required to follow.

The provincial government has not yet publicly announced the complete plan. The proposed province-wide celebrations in March 2027 will depend on the finalisation of the relevant legal, administrative and safety arrangements, sources said.