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Kites soar high, colours paint sky: zinda dilane Lahore celebrate Basant 2026

Kites soar high, colours paint sky: zinda dilane Lahore celebrate Basant 2026

The Basant 2026 festival has begun in Lahore. This is a three day festival, starting from February 6 to February 8, 2026.

Public reactions to the revival of Basant are mixed; many people are feeling nostalgic and happy.

While others are worried about the costs and the sudden rush of the masses into the city.

Younger people, especially Gen Z, are very excited. Many young people have only heard about Basant from stories or old videos, and have never experienced it before.

Many Lahoris feel the city is “smiling again.” Zinda dilane Lahore are seeing the festival as a way to reclaim a part of their heritage and culture that was missing for the previous 18 years.

Lahore being monitored with drones

Inspector General of Police (IG) Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem said on Thursday that 10,000 security personnel have been deployed across Lahore.

This is to maintain law and order during the Basant celebrations in the city.

The IG said the city is being monitored with drones and surveillance cameras. Hidden surveillance is also in being done. Authorities will take strict action against law violators.

“I request everyone not to violate the law,” the IG said. He further said that there will be evidence, and it will be difficult to escape.

He added that the law has been explained clearly and widely advertised. And that everyone must follow it.

How to get free transport on Basant

The Punjab government will provide free rides during Basant 2026. People can travel without paying fares and enjoy the festival fully.

The government has signed agreements with ride-hailing companies InDrive and Yango. This will improve safety and transport arrangements in Lahore.

Free rickshaw and cab rides will be available on February 6, 7, and 8. Officials say the service will help residents and tourists. It will also reduce traffic and parking problems since.

Free public transport will also run in the city. This includes 500 buses, Metro Bus services, the Orange Line train, and electric buses.

Lahore weather forecast: will it rain on Basant days?

The weather in Lahore is expected to remain pleasant over the weekend.

  • On Friday, February 6, the day will be sunny with a high of 23°C. The night is expected to be clear and cool with a low of 9°C.
  • Saturday will also be sunny, with the temperature again reaching 23°C and expected to drop to around 8°C at night.
  • On Sunday, conditions will be mostly sunny with some clouds. The daytime temperatures are expected to stay at 23°C and at the night low at 8°C.

“Mainly dry weather with clear skies is expected on 6th and 7th February, while dry weather with few cloudy conditions on 8th February, 2026, in Lahore during the Basant 2026,” according to the PMD.

Where to enjoy, which events to attend in Lahore?

Rang e Basant 2026

  • Date: 07 February 2026
  • Time: 03:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  • Location: Pearl Continental, Grand Ballroom and Courtyard, Lahore

This event includes concerts, kite flying, and food activities.

Safari Basant Mela 2026

  • Location: Lahore Safari, 11 km from Thokar Niaz Baig on Raiwind Road

The event will run for the three Basant days. It will feature concerts, laser shows, LED kites, food stalls, and family activities.

Artists who will perform include popular names like Abrar Ul Haq, Arif Lohar, Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch, Bayaan, Havi, Annural Khalid, Sehar Gul Khan, and NS Chauhan. Tickets are available online.

DHA Lahore Basant Mela 2026

  • Date: 06 to 08 February 2026
  • Time: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
  • Location: Phase 9 Prism, DHA Lahore

Day one concerts will include Abrar Ul Haq, Sehar Gul Khan, Raga Boys, and Naseebo Lal.

Tickets are available in categories:

  • General Ticket Rs3,000
  • Group of 4 Ticket Rs10,000
  • Group of 6 Ticket Rs15,000
  • Group of 8 Ticket Rs20,000

For more details and more events, you can check out the following article.

Read more: Basant 2026: where to enjoy, which events to attend in Lahore?

Learn fun Basant terms!

Which Lahore areas will see the most action

Basant activity is expected along Raiwind Road over long stretches. Traffic may move slowly near kite flying spots in the city.

Additionally, the Bhatta Chowk is expected to be congested during peak hours. Bedian Road will also be busy with people flying kites in the place.

Kamahan will see celebrations on rooftops. Canal Bank is also a favourite for kite flying. Taj Bagh will be packed with families enjoying the festival as well.

What can you not do on Basant?

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in Lahore ahead of Basant. This is to prevent provocation and maintain order.

Authorities said only plain single-colour or multi-colour kites without images are allowed.

Additionally, kites with images of holy books, religious places, personalities, or flags of any country or political party are banned.

The sale, purchase, and preparation of banned kites are also not allowed.

Massive airfare increase

Airlines have raised ticket prices for flights to Lahore. This is due to high demand ahead of Basant 2026.

Flights to Lahore overbooked

Travellers are having trouble finding flights to Lahore. Eight flights have been cancelled on Thursday, and 34 others were delayed nationwide.

Basant likely to generate billions

Experts say the three days of Basant are expected to generate billions of rupees for Lahore’s food and hospitality sector.

Hotel bookings are rising as thousands of people are flocking to the city to enjoy the festival. Catering services and street vendors are preparing for high demand.

This also means that this three day festival is an amazing business opportunity for everyone.

However, many reports suggest that sellers have made the prices of products high, makingg the kites and strings out of reach of the common folk.

Some social media users have commented on it, calling it ‘ameeron ki Basant.’

What is Basant?

Basant is a traditional festival celebrated in South Asia to welcome the arrival of spring.

It usually takes place in January or February. The festival is part of Punjabi culture and is known for kite flying, wearing vibrant clothes, and enjoying special desi kinds of foods.

Authorities are working to ensure safety during the festival. The Punjab government has ordered the strict implementation of safety rules.

Additionally, this is the event of colours and joy. It is advised to follow the rules, so the celebrations go smoothly, and Pakistan can see more such celebrations in the future.

Read more: How to get free transport on Basant 2026 in Lahore?

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Mahnoor Bukhari

Academic background in Psychology, with a dedicated professional focus on journalism and news writing.
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