The provincial capital Lahore will once again be decorated with colors, kites and cultural splendor, where Basant Festival will be celebrated on February 6, 7 and 8. The Punjab government has decided to divide Lahore into three different categories on this occasion so that the events can be organised in an organized and safe manner.
According to the government decision, Liberty, Walled City and Mall Road have been declared Platinum Zones for Basant, while Jail Road and Ferozepur Road have been included in the Gold Zone. Apart from this, the rest of Lahore will be part of the festival as Silver Zone. All Basant activities will be held under these zones.
According to sources, security camps will be set up on the roads, while all other activities will be held under private sponsorship. The government’s aim is not only to revive Basant in a cultural way but also to promote tourism and positive activities through it.
The formal start of Basant celebrations will be on February 6, with the main event to be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The same evening, an opening ceremony will be held at the Royal Fort in Lahore, in which provincial ministers, important political figures and senior government officials will participate. However, ordinary citizens will not be allowed to attend this event.
According to sources, another special ceremony will be held at the Royal Fort in the afternoon of February 7, in which foreign diplomats will be invited. The aim of this event is to highlight Pakistan’s culture, traditional festivals and the historical importance of Lahore at the global level.
DG Punjab Horticulture Authority Raja Mansoor Ahmed has said that preparations are underway to decorate Lahore like a bride during Basant. Lights, flowers and colourful decorations are being arranged across the city to double the joy of Basant.
He said that this time Basant will not be limited to rooftops, but kite flying will also be allowed in parks and open spaces of Lahore under SOPs. He said that parks will also be a full part of Basant activities so that families can enjoy this festival in a safe environment.
After the announcement of Basant festival, there has been a wave of joy among the citizens and people are looking forward to once again turning Lahore into a city of colour.
