The Punjab government has cancelled the official inauguration ceremony of the Basant Festival that was planned for Lahore’s historic Shahi Qila on February 6, 2026. This change comes just days before the festival begins, as authorities focus on keeping the celebration safe and following strict safety rules.
Even though the formal launch event won’t happen, the three-day Basant Festival itself is still scheduled to take place across Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026, after the province lifted the long-standing ban on kite flying with new regulations and public holiday announcements.
What Changed: Official Opening Cancelled
Instead of a large public opening event with guests and performances, government officials said they are cancelling the Basant inauguration ceremony to prioritize public safety and implement the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the festival.
Here’s what that looks like:
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Official Basant inauguration ceremony | Cancelled |
| Basant Festival dates | Feb 6–8, 2026 |
| Public holiday for Basant in Punjab | Declared on Feb 6 |
| Main kite flying allowed | Yes, under strict safety rules |
The focus now is on keeping the festival safe, not on a formal opening event.
Why This Happened
Authorities said they wanted to ensure strict safety measures are followed citywide as people prepare for Basant. The government’s move to cancel the ceremony reflects a priority on crowd management and public health.
Basant will still be celebrated, but it will happen under new rules that include things like:
- Registration of kite makers and sellers
- Safety procedures for kite strings
- Free installation of safety rods on motorcycles
- Enforcement against unsafe materials and dangerous kite flying areas
What You Should Know Before Basant
Here’s a quick view of key facts about the 2026 Basant celebrations:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival return after long ban | Yes, after 18 years |
| Location | Lahore, Punjab province |
| Dates | February 6, 7, 8, 2026 |
| Safety focus | Mandatory SOPs and local enforcement |
| Public holiday | Feb 6 in Punjab |
Even without the formal opening ceremony, Basant is back as a cultural and community event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Basant completely cancelled this year?
No. Only the official opening ceremony was cancelled. The Basant Festival will still take place as planned from February 6 to 8, 2026 with safety rules in place.
Why did the government cancel the opening event?
Officials said the decision was made to focus on public safety and the enforcement of strict guidelines during the celebrations.
Will kite flying still be allowed?
Yes. Kite flying will be allowed across Lahore during the festival under regulated conditions and safety procedures.
Is there a holiday for Basant?
Yes. Punjab announced a provincial holiday on February 6 for Basant.
Are there special safety measures this year?
Yes. Measures include mandatory registration of kite materials, restrictions on risky kite strings, safety equipment for motorcycles, and monitoring by authorities.
Conclusion
The Basant Festival is returning to Lahore after many years, but the government has scaled back some official events. The cancellation of the opening ceremony shows a focus on safety rather than celebration style. Citizens and visitors can still enjoy kite flying and festivities from February 6 to 8, but everyone is expected to follow new safety rules so the festival goes smoothly and without harm.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at Info Portal. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.