Mega Break in Lahore: 5-Day Consecutive Holiday Announced for Basant, Shab-e-Barat, and Kashmir Day. -

The city of Lahore is set to witness a historic and extended break as the Punjab government has officially announced five consecutive holidays from Wednesday, February 4 to Sunday, February 8, 2026. This grand holiday season merges religious devotion, national solidarity, and the long-awaited revival of the city’s cultural heritage.

Basant 2026: The Historic Return

After an 18-year ban, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially allowed the Basant festival to return to Lahore under strict safety protocols.

Official Dates: Kite flying is legally permitted only from February 6 to 8.
Strict Safety Laws: Use of metallic, nylon, or chemically coated strings is a criminal offense. Only 9-thread cotton string is allowed.
Motorcycle Antennas: To protect citizens, the government is distributing 1 million free safety rods for motorcycles. No bike will be allowed in “Red Zones” without these safety antennas.
Monitoring: The district administration will use drones and Safe City cameras to monitor rooftops for violations.

Public Facilities & Transport

To manage the massive influx of people and ensure safety, the government has announced free transport on the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, and electric buses during the festival days to discourage the use of motorcycles.