The Punjab government has announced Basant celebrations in Lahore from February 6 to 8, but it is yet to confirm whether the festival will be observed as a public holiday.
Basant holiday update
During a press conference yesterday, Punjab government spokesperson Azma Bukhari was asked whether there would be a public holiday in Lahore for Basant. She replied that no final decision has been made yet.
The spokesperson added that the government would officially inform the public if a holiday is declared.
For now, no clear instructions regarding a public holiday have been issued.
The Punjab government has announced celebrations for Basant in Lahore on February 6, 7, and 8.
The announcement has raised questions among citizens about whether these days will be declared public holidays.
The government has also introduced several measures for the festival. This includes free public transport.
Under the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, children under the age of 18 will also be allowed to celebrate Basant with their families.
The move is aimed at ensuring that the festival celebrations are conducted in a safe and organised manner across the province.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had earlier approved a three-day Basant Festival, which is scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 8.
Shab-e-Barat holiday
Shab-e-Barat will be observed across Pakistan on Thursday, February 3, 2026, but authorities have not yet announced whether schools and other educational institutions will be closed on this day.
Last year, the Sindh government had declared a holiday for schools and educational institutions on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat.
So far, no official decision has been made regarding the holiday for 2026. Authorities have stated that a formal notification will be issued if a holiday is announced.
According to tradition, Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Sha’ban.
Shab-e-Barat is celebrated with devotion and religious enthusiasm across the country.
This year, Sha’ban began in Pakistan on January 21, 2026, as confirmed by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
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