Lahore Basant celebrations, diplomats joined alongside local residents as the revived festival entered its final hours, bringing colour, culture, and strong economic activity to the city.
Foreign diplomats and figures from the entertainment industry took part in the festivities, which are set to conclude at midnight. Their presence highlighted the growing international interest in Lahore’s cultural revival.
The Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Natalie Baker, visited Delhi Gate in Lahore to mark the Basant Festival. Her visit drew attention as Basant returned after a long pause.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari welcomed Natalie Baker on the occasion. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Provincial Minister Sohaib Bharth also accompanied her during the visit.
Natalie Baker thanked the Punjab government for allowing the resumption of Basant celebrations. She appreciated the efforts made to revive the traditional festival in an organised manner.
#Basant2026 is the excellent display of #PublicDiplomacy and #SoftPower of Pakistan to global diplomats.
Natalie A. Baker, the US Chargé d'Affaires enjoying #BasantFestival in Lahore
There should be more such festivals in all capitals of Pakistani provinces. #PSL is next 🙌 pic.twitter.com/dtXYgRZdkw
— Dr Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) February 7, 2026Across Lahore, residents celebrated Basant with enthusiasm. The skies of the historic city were filled with kites of different sizes and colours, reflecting the festive mood.
Authorities allowed the festival after a long hiatus, placing strict standard operating procedures to ensure safety. Most participants followed these guidelines during celebrations.
The President of the District Kite-flying Association said the festival generated sales of more than PKR 500 million in kite-flying materials in just three days.
حامد میر امریکی سفارت کار کے ڈھولچی ؟
لاہور میں بسنت کے موقع پر امریکی سفارتخانے کے افسران کی شرکت کی، خاص طور پر ڈپٹی چیف آف مشن
(acting US Ambassador/Charge d’Affaires) Natalie A. Baker
جو لاہور میں بسنت مناتے نظر آئے، اس موقع پر حامد میر بھی خوشی سے ڈھول بچاتے نظر آئے… pic.twitter.com/FrU0ifh5hz
— Tahawar Tamimi (@HR_Pakistan1) February 8, 2026Association president Shaikh Saleem said demand surged rapidly once the celebrations began. However, he noted that mismanagement in manufacturing and supply pushed prices higher.
He explained that delays in planning affected kite and string production. As a result, costs increased for both sellers and buyers.
Despite these challenges, Saleem praised public cooperation. He said people largely followed government-issued SOPs throughout the festival. “We are grateful to the people for their effective compliance with the government’s standard operating procedures,” he said.
Read: Lahore Basant Festival Generates Billions in Kite Sales
Provincial officials believe the successful revival of Basant could pave the way for future celebrations. They see the festival as a cultural and economic opportunity for Lahore.
With strong participation, international presence, and high sales figures, this year’s Basant marked a notable return. The festival reinforced Lahore’s identity as a city of culture, tradition, and celebration.
