The Punjab government has rescheduled Basant 2027 in Lahore for a second time, with the provincial cabinet approving March 12, 13 and 14 for the festival.
The decision replaces the previously announced schedule under which Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif had planned a 10-day celebration from January 29 to February 7, with a break on February 5 to observe Kashmir Day.
According to reports, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz sent a summary proposing new dates to the Punjab Home Department, which forwarded it to the provincial cabinet for approval.
The cabinet has now approved the revised dates, meaning the festival will take place over three days in March instead of the previously planned 10-day programme.
Maryam Nawaz had earlier announced the extended celebrations to promote Punjab’s cultural heritage and preserve Lahore’s traditional identity. She had also directed the relevant departments to make advance preparations and strengthen public safety and facilitation arrangements.
Meanwhile, preparations for Basant 2027 are underway under a regulatory framework covering kite flying, kite manufacturing and sales, and the transport and use of kite string.
The Lahore district administration has said kite flying will be allowed only on the designated festival dates. Chemical-coated, metallic and sharp kite strings, commonly known as “manjha”, remain prohibited under the restrictions.
Only approved kite sizes and cotton string will be permitted.
