Basant Festival 2026: Lahore skyline dazzles with colour and kites
Authorities enforce safety while Spring festival brings joy to locals and tourists
DUBAI/LAHORE – Lahore has come alive with colourful kites, music, and festive energy as the Basant Festival returns after nearly 20 years.
Rooftops across the city are bustling with families, friends, and foreign tourists joining the vibrant kite-flying tradition.
Running from 6-8 February 2026, the festival is a mix of cultural celebration, entertainment, and carefully monitored safety measures, ensuring a lively yet controlled environment for all participants.
From the Walled City to Gulberg and Defence, rooftops have become the heart of the festivities. Crowds of people, dressed in bright attire, are flying kites, playing music, and sharing the joy of Basant.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz shared videos on social media showing people enjoying kite flying across the city, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and public participation.
Lahore ❤️#Basant pic.twitter.com/gKXuKPPH2O
— Hanan (@Hanxyz00) February 5, 2026
گڈی لہور دی اُڈی ???????????? pic.twitter.com/9iO04oDoUn
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 7, 2026
Rang Mahal ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eWxtyxqja5
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 7, 2026
The festival has drawn attention from foreign tourists and diplomats, many celebrating Basant for the first time.
My first Bo Kata ???? Basant Basant Hai#BasantFestival pic.twitter.com/hFuvFFGn7g
— Ben Warrington (@BWarringtonFCDO) February 6, 2026
Authorities have prioritised safety during the festival. Punjab police are on high alert, enforcing bans on hazardous kite strings, aerial firing, and unsafe behaviour.
Basant’s return is giving the city an economic and cultural boost, with local markets, cafés, and hotels benefiting from increased crowds.
Flights from Dubai, Sharjah, and Qatar were reportedly fully booked, reflecting interest from international visitors.