WHY BASANT'S RETURN MATTERS FOR PUNJAB

Revival of spring festival restores tradition of joy, coexistence and creative expression

- BY SAJJAD ASHRAF | Special to Gulf News

The announcement by the Government of Punjab allowing the celebration of Basant in February 2026 marks the return of a festival that has long been woven into the cultural fabric of the region.

For centuries, Basant was not merely an event — it was a symbol of joy, artistic expression, and communal harmony. Its absence left a noticeable void, not only in the seasonal calendar but in the collective emotional landscape of Punjab's people. Now, as the province stands ready to welcome back this vibrant festival, it is worth reflecting on the genesis of Basant, its social meaning, and why its revival matters in today's Pakistan.

The roots of Basant in Punjab stretch far deeper than the kite strings that colour its sky. Historically associated with the advent of spring Basant Panchami in the broader South Asian tradition it began as a celebration of renewal, warmth, and the end of winter's gloom. In pre-modern Punjab, rural and urban communities awaited this transitional moment when the mustard fields turned yellow, the air softened, and nature itself seemed to exhale. The festival emerged organically as people stepped outdoors to enjoy the milder weather, dressing in yellow to echo the blooming landscape and engaging in kite-flying as a playful symbol of freedom and aspiration.