The Punjab government has notified public holidays in the province on February 6 and 7 (Friday and Saturday) for Basant, said a notification.

The notification was issued on Tuesday by the provincial government’s Services and General Administration Department, a copy of which is available with Dawn.

“It is hereby notified for general information that 6th and 7th February, 2026 (Friday and Saturday) shall be observed as public holidays in the province of Punjab,” the notification said.

On Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had announced a “long weekend” in the province, declaring a Basant holiday.

“Punjab will enjoy a long weekend with Kashmir Day on February 5, a provincial Basant holiday on the 6th, followed by Saturday and Sunday.

“We hope people across Punjab take this time to relax, recharge, and make the most of the break,” she posted on X.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said dry weather with clear skies was expected for the majority of the Basant festival.

“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,” the PMD said.

Basant Panchami, with ‘panchami’ meaning the fifth day of the lunar month Magh, is a celebration of future crop prosperity, spring, and good luck.

The kite-flying festival was banned in 2007 in Punjab because of an increasing number of deaths and serious injuries caused by sharp strings, particularly to motorcyclists and pillion riders, as well as by celebratory gunfire.

However, it is set to make a grand return after a hiatus of 18 years, after the Punjab government lifted the ban on kite flying in December and allowed the celebration of Basant with strict regulations.

Under the new Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, the manufacturing of only thread-based kite strings will be allowed and the use of metallic, chemical-coated, or sharp strings is strictly banned.