Breaking News: Maryam Nawaz Declares Basant Holiday in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially announced a public holiday on Thursday, 6th February 2026, for Basant, a traditional spring festival. This decision gives people across Punjab a long weekend, allowing them to rest, spend time with family, and celebrate cultural traditions safely.

The holiday comes right after Kashmir Day on 5th February and is followed by the regular weekend, creating a four-day break for residents.

Govt of Punjab Announces Four-Day Holiday from Feb 5 to Feb 8, 2026 (Official Notification)

Holiday Schedule in Punjab: Four Consecutive Days Off

Here is a clear breakdown of the long weekend:

Day	Holiday / Event
Wednesday, 5 Feb 2026	Kashmir Day (National Holiday)
Thursday, 6 Feb 2026	Basant Holiday (Provincial Holiday)
Friday, 7 Feb 2026	Weekend
Saturday, 8 Feb 2026	Weekend

This means families, students, and workers in Punjab will enjoy four consecutive days off in early February 2026.

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What is Basant and Why It Matters

Basant is a famous spring festival in Punjab, marking the arrival of spring. Traditionally, people celebrated it with:

Kite flying competitions
Colorful clothes and decorations
Music, dance, and local foods

Although large-scale public celebrations are limited today due to safety , the festival remains culturally important. The government’s holiday announcement allows people to observe Basant safely at home or with small gatherings.

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Who Will Get the Holiday

The Basant holiday applies to most public and private institutions in Punjab:

Government offices: Closed
Public and private schools/colleges: Closed
Provincial government offices: Closed
Essential services (hospitals, rescue, police) will remain operational

Many private businesses may also choose to close, giving employees a chance to enjoy the long weekend.

Public Advice for the Long Weekend

The Punjab government has advised citizens to:

Spend quality time with family
Rest and refresh before work resumes
Follow safety rules, especially during kite flying
Avoid large gatherings in unsafe areas

Authorities will also increase security and traffic management to ensure smooth and safe celebrations.

Impact on Travel and Tourism

The extended break is expected to boost local tourism:

Families may plan short trips within Punjab
Hotels and transport services may see increased bookings
Authorities may manage traffic and provide extra safety measures

This holiday also gives residents a chance to enjoy cultural traditions without work or school pressure.

Message from CM Maryam Nawaz

Maryam Nawaz encouraged citizens to:

Use the long weekend to rest and recharge
Spend time with loved ones
Celebrate Basant responsibly and safely

Her announcement reflects the Punjab government’s people-friendly approach, combining cultural recognition with public relief.

Conclusion

The public Basant holiday on 6th February 2026, along with Kashmir Day and the weekend, provides four consecutive days off for residents of Punjab. This break allows families to relax, enjoy cultural festivities, and safely welcome the spring season. Following safety guidelines while celebrating will ensure everyone has a memorable and joyful holiday.

FAQ

Q1: When is the Basant holiday in Punjab 2026?
A1: Thursday, 6th February 2026.

Q2: Does the Basant holiday apply to private schools?
A2: Most private schools in Punjab usually follow the government’s holiday announcement.

Q3: Will government offices remain closed?
A3: Yes, all provincial government offices will be closed, except essential services like hospitals and police.

Q4: How many days of break will people get?
A4: Four consecutive days: 5th Feb (Kashmir Day), 6th Feb (Basant), 7th-8th Feb (weekend).

Official Link: Punjab Government Portal