Punjab Announces Four‑Day Holiday from Feb 5 to Feb 8, 2026
Punjab residents are set for a long weekend as the provincial government has announced a four‑day holiday from February 5 to February 8, 2026. This break links Kashmir Solidarity Day, a Basant celebration holiday, and the usual weekend. The announcement comes with official rules on celebrations and public safety. Details below come from the official notification and top 10 credible sources including The Tribune and Geo TV.
Table of Contents
Read Also: Honhar Laptop Scholarship Program
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| Feb 5, 2026 | Kashmir Solidarity Day (public holiday) |
| Feb 6, 2026 | Basant Provincial Holiday |
| Feb 7, 2026 | Saturday Weekend |
| Feb 8, 2026 | Sunday Weekend |
| Feb 6–8, 2026 | Basant Festival Days |
| Feb 5–8, 2026 | Total Holiday Period |
| Lahore Only | Kite flying permitted |
| Elsewhere in Punjab | Kite flying banned |
What This Four‑Day Break Means
This holiday period starts with Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, a nationwide public holiday. The Punjab government then declared February 6 a provincial holiday to celebrate Basant, a traditional festival. Weekend holidays on Saturday and Sunday complete the four‑day break.
Officials say this sequence gives families a valuable chance to rest, spend time together, and enjoy seasonal activities. The announcement was approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and made official through the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD).
Background on Basant in Punjab
Basant is a spring kite festival that was once widely celebrated in Punjab, especially in Lahore. Kite flying traditions were banned in 2007 due to accidents and dangerous kite strings that led to injuries. After almost two decades, the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 reinstated the festival with strict rules to prevent risk to life and property.
What to Expect During This Holiday
Here’s what you should know about the break and festivities:
- Holiday sequence: February 5 (public holiday), February 6 (provincial holiday), February 7 and February 8 (weekend).
- Basant allowed: Kite flying is permitted in Lahore under tight regulations only.
- Safety rules: Use only approved cotton string; metal or chemical strings are banned.
- Enforcement: Police and monitoring teams will be active to ensure compliance.
These details are based on the official administration notifications and reliable news sources.
Safety Rules for Basant Festival
Punjab has set clear safety regulations for Basant to avoid past accidents:
- Allowed locations: Kite flying only in Lahore district.
- Approved materials: Only cotton threads and safe equipment.
- QR‑coded gear: Sold kite strings will carry QR codes for monitoring.
- Banned items: No nylon, chemical, glass‑coated, or sharp threads.
- Penalties: Violators could face fines and imprisonment.
These precautions come from government arrangements aimed at reviving Basant responsibly.
Step‑by‑Step Holiday and Celebration Guide
- Check the official notification or credible news updates before planning.
- Mark your calendar for Feb 5–8 as a continuous break.
- Prepare for Basant only if you plan to fly kites in Lahore.
- Follow all safety rules and avoid banned kite materials.
- Coordinate travel or gatherings keeping weekends and holidays in mind.
Following these steps helps you enjoy the break and festivities without issues.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Basant’s return is expected to boost local activity in Lahore. Traders and sellers of festival gear are already preparing, and the local economy could benefit significantly during the celebrations.
This holiday period is seen as a chance to balance tradition with safety, after years of public debate about the festival’s risks and cultural value.
Helpline & Contact
If you need official clarification on holidays or Basant rules:
- Punjab Government Services & General Administration Department (S&GAD) – Visit official portal or contact provincial offices.
- Lahore District Administration – for local Basant notices.
- Emergency Services – local police for safety rules enforcement.
Official contact details are available through provincial government websites and administration offices.
Conclusion
Punjab’s official four‑day holiday from February 5 to February 8, 2026 is set to be a rare and welcome break for residents. With Kashmir Solidarity Day, a provincial Basant holiday, and the weekend tied together, citizens have an extended spell for rest, celebration, and responsible cultural participation. Strict rules for Basant aim to keep people safe while reviving one of Punjab’s most cherished traditions. Enjoy the break, follow safety protocols, and make the most of this long weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates are included in the Punjab four‑day holiday?
Punjab’s holiday runs from February 5 to February 8, 2026, starting with Kashmir Solidarity Day and ending with Sunday.
Is Basant allowed throughout Punjab or only in Lahore?
Basant kite flying is permitted only in Lahore under strict rules; it remains banned in other districts.
Why was Basant previously banned in Punjab?
It was banned due to accidents and injuries linked to dangerous kite strings and rooftop falls.
What safety rules are in place for Basant 2026?
Only cotton strings are allowed, Kite gear must have QR codes, and banned materials are strictly prohibited.