Govt unveils guidelines as Basant is set to soar

Kite flying by children to be prohibited

LAHORE:

The Punjab government and Lahore's civic authorities have rolled out a detailed framework for Basant Festival 2026, outlining sponsorship opportunities, branding rights, security measures and kite-flying regulations as the city prepares to revive the traditional spring festival on a large scale.

According to officials, the Lahore Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has divided major roads and public spaces into three sponsorship categories -— platinum, gold and silver — to attract national and international brands for generating revenue for the province. Expressions of interest have been invited from prospective sponsors, with applications due by January 20.

The branding and marketing activities will be permitted from February 1 to 15.

Under the plan, platinum sponsors will receive exclusive rights for high-profile activities, including the opening ceremony, public transport branding, festival floats and music events at Jilani Park. They will also be authorised to organise laser shows, projection mapping, road décor and building illumination around Liberty Chowk and adjoining areas.

Roads placed in the category include Main Boulevard Gulberg, Liberty, Noor Jahan Road, Main Market, Mahmood Kasuri Road, and Canal Road stretching from Thokar Niaz Baig to Mall Road.

Gold sponsors will be allowed to host Basant celebrations at Chuna Mandi College, arrange mega fireworks at Greater Iqbal Park and provide free public transport services during the festival. Areas listed under the category include Jail Road, MM Alam Road, Khayaban-e-Jinnah, Aiwan-Sanato Tajarat, Shadman, Airport Road, Ring Road and Qaddafi Roundabout.

Silver sponsors will be permitted to operate decorative floats, carry out road embellishment and undertake branding and marketing on designated routes. These include Shahrah-e-Quaid-i-Azam, Azadi Chowk, Pine Avenue, Ravi Toll Plaza, Shahdara and Ferozepur Road.

Officials said the tiered model is aimed at broadening participation by allowing brands of varying scale to engage with the festival while ensuring regulated and uniform branding across the city.

In parallel, the district administration has finalised an extensive décor and events plan to transform Lahore into what officials described as a "Basant-themed city." A total of 23 major roads and locations will be adorned with themed decorations, lighting and installations. In addition to Gulberg and Canal Road, areas such as MM Alam Road, Jail Road, Khayaban-e-Firdousi, Shahdara Flyover, Azadi Chowk, Circular Garden, Niazi Interchange and Ravi Toll Plaza will be decorated in vibrant colours.

Cultural programmes will include laser shows, projection mapping, fireworks and family-oriented entertainment to mark the festival scheduled from February 6 to 8.

To balance celebration with public safety, the administration has announced strict regulatory measures.