The city of Lahore is about to celebrate the spring festival but there has been confusion as to what the government actually intends. It is reported that Yes, the Punjab government has vacated the formal opening of the Basant Festival.
The grand opening event, which was initially to be held in Lahore at Shahi Qila (Royal Fort) on February 6, 2026 has been cancelled. This is however not to imply that the whole festival is exclusive to the people.
The full information about the decision of the government, the motifs of this choice, and its consequences to the citizens is presented below.
It is reported that the authorities chose to cancel the official event at the Fort and focus on the strict enforcement of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Rather than investing in a huge ceremonial event, the government is channeling its energies in terms of ensuring safety and adherence throughout the city during the celebrations.
Is Basant Banned for the Public?
The Information Minister of Punjab Azma Bokhari has made it clear that the citizens have been given the go ahead to fly kites. The role of the government changed that of hosting an event to being purely enforcers of the safety regulations in order to avoid loss of life and property.
Symbolic Basant Inauguration Ceremony 2026
Although the principal ceremony in Shahi Qila is canceled, the authorities are planning the symbolic opening in the Walled City of Lahore. This pre-eminent, smaller event will be attended by foreign guests and some high profile personalities who will be involved in the kite-flying activities to commemorate the event.
Safety Measures for Basant 2026
To ensure a safe environment, the administration has taken significant precautionary steps:
- Monitoring Camps: Special offices will be set up at the Safe City headquarters and the District Commissioner’s office to monitor the city.
- Medical Alert: 13 hospitals in Lahore have been put on high alert to deal with any kite-flying-related emergencies.
The Minister has urged all citizens to celebrate Basant responsibly, keeping safety SOPs in mind to ensure the festival remains a joyous occasion for everyone.
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