Punjab Public Holidays Feb 2026: Basant & Kashmir Day Announced
CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz announces extended public holidays from February 4 to 8, 2026, including Shab-e-Barat, Kashmir Day, and historic Basant festival revival after 18 years. The Punjab government has made headlines with a significant announcement that has brought excitement across the province. Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has officially announced Punjab Public Holidays from 5 February to 8 February 2026 across the province. This unprecedented decision combines religious observances, national commemorations, and the much-anticipated return of cultural celebrations, creating what many are calling a historic moment for Punjab.
Also REad: Negahban Ramzan Package 2026: Get Rs.10,000 Cash or Free Rashan
Complete Punjab Public Holidays Schedule: February 4-9, 2026
The Punjab government has announced five consecutive public holidays in Lahore from February 4 to February 8, giving residents a rare extended break filled with religious observance, national remembrance, and cultural celebration.
| Date | Day | Occasion | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 4 | Wednesday | Shab-e-Barat | Provincial Holiday |
| February 5 | Thursday | Kashmir Day | National Holiday |
| February 6 | Friday | Basant Festival | Provincial Holiday |
| February 7 | Saturday | Basant Festival | Provincial Holiday |
| February 8 | Sunday | Weekend | Regular Off Day |
What’s Closed During Punjab Holidays February 2026?
Understanding which institutions will be closed is crucial for planning your week effectively. According to the official notification, all provincial government offices, public institutions, and educational institutes will remain closed during the announced holidays. However, essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, police, and rescue departments will continue to operate as usual.
Institutions Closed:
- Government offices and provincial departments
- Public and private schools
- Colleges and universities
- Semi-government institutions
- Local councils and autonomous bodies
Services Remaining Open:
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Police stations
- Rescue services (1122)
- Emergency utility services
Bank schedules depend on State Bank of Pakistan notifications. Some branches may remain open.
The Historic Return of Basant Festival After 18 Years
One of the most significant aspects of this holiday announcement is the revival of Basant—Punjab’s beloved spring festival. After nearly 18 years, the Punjab government has decided to lift the ban on Basant, permitting a three-day Basant festival in Lahore starting from 6 February 2026. Now, after about 20 years of ban and silence, Basant is set to return in February 2026 under a strict safety framework, reviving memories of a festival that once drew the world to Punjab.
Why Was Basant Banned?
In 2007, the festival was banned, primarily because of an increasing number of deaths and serious injuries. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Basant celebrations became associated with public safety concerns. The use of sharp, glass-coated or chemically treated kite strings resulted in injuries and fatalities among pedestrians, motorcyclists, birds, and kite flyers.
CM Maryam Nawaz’s Vision for Safe Basant
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif urged citizens to strictly observe safety precautions during Basant celebrations, while thanking the public for the overwhelming response to the festival’s revival in Lahore. The chief minister said Basant had been permitted only in Lahore on February 6, 7 and 8 under a pilot project, while kite-flying remained banned across the rest of Punjab.
Basant 2026 Safety Rules and Regulations
The Punjab Government has implemented comprehensive safety measures under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 to ensure a safe celebration. Basant 2026 will be celebrated under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025.
Key Safety Specifications:
The permitted kite size would be 35×30 inches and spool size 40×34 inches, with only cotton string comprising nine threads allowed. The use of metallic wire, chemical string or other prohibited materials would invite strict legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are these holidays applicable throughout Pakistan?
No, these holidays are announced by the Punjab government only. Federal employees and other provinces follow separate notifications.
Q2: Will private schools remain closed?
Yes, all government schools and colleges in Punjab will remain closed during these dates. Private offices may decide independently.
Q3: Can I fly kites anywhere in Punjab?
No kite flying in 2026 is officially permitted only within Lahore city limits under strict regulations.
Conclusion
The announcement of public holidays from February 4 to 8, 2026, by CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz represents more than just time off work. It symbolizes Punjab’s commitment to balancing religious observance, national pride, and cultural heritage while prioritizing public safety. The careful revival of Basant after 18 years, with comprehensive safety measures, demonstrates responsible governance and cultural preservation.
