Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has announced on her X profile that Lahore will celebrate Basant from March 12 to 14, 2027, with the Lahore Deputy Commissioner sharing the schedule for the three-day festival. The change in dates marks a major change for the festival which was usually celebrated in February.
The announcement comes after what the Chief Minister described as a successful Basant 2026, with Lahore set to once again become a centre of colour, culture, music, and festivities.
The decision follows the restoration of the festival in Punjab earlier this year after a 25-year hiatus, when festivities took place from February 6 to 8. Punjab’s Information Minister Uzma Bukhari opened the 2026 celebrations by flying a kite from the Delhi Gate rooftop.
DC of Lahore stated that the administration remains committed to maintaining law and order while protecting citizens, promising special measures to organise the event.
Punjab government issued updated regulations for the 2027 festival on instructions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Citizens, building owners, and event organizers must comply with the rules by December 30, 2026.
Under the fresh framework, citizens can fly kites only on structurally sound rooftops equipped with boundary walls measuring at least 3.5 feet in height. Parents and guardians must supervise children at all times and prevent them from standing near roof edges.
The instructions ban running, jumping, leaning over parapets, or chasing falling kites. The administration also prohibited overcrowding on roofs.
Organizers cannot play loud music, set up DJ systems, or use noise-making apparatus. Disturbing neighbours will count as an offence under the law. Every venue must keep a first aid kit on site, while individuals should alert Rescue 1122 during emergencies.
Property owners and event hosts will bear legal responsibility for accidents or rule violations occurring on their premises. District authorities and police received instructions to enforce total compliance.
During the previous event, authorities restricted kite designs by banning pictures or flags representing political parties, individuals, or nations.
The Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025 maintains a complete prohibition on glass-coated string, nylon line, and metallic wire. Violators face prison terms up to five years and fines reaching Rs2 million. Manufacturers and sellers of illegal supplies face up to seven years in prison alongside fines reaching Rs5 million.
Maryam Nawaz commended citizens for following rules during the previous festival, stating, “A safe Basant will also be ensured in 2027,” while adding that putting lives at risk will not be tolerated.
