Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has embraced the cultural revival of Basant with enthusiasm, emphasizing the traditional significance of yellow attire as the festival returns to Lahore after 18 years. The CM explained that “yellow symbolises life returning to land. This is life returning to Punjab,” highlighting the festival’s deep connection to spring and the blooming mustard fields.
The Punjab CM said the tradition of Basant went back to 1250, and the festival marked arrival of spring, with yellow being its signature color. The color represents the vibrant sarson (mustard) fields that blanket Punjab during this season, creating a sea of golden blooms across the landscape.
Through social media platform X, CM Maryam Nawaz invited residents from Lahore and across Punjab to join the festivities, announcing a main celebration at Liberty Chowk on February 7. She declared a “long weekend” in the province, with a “provincial Basant holiday on the 6th, followed by Saturday and Sunday”.
The appeal for yellow clothing extends beyond mere tradition, it’s a visual representation of cultural unity and celebration. Historically, during Basant’s heyday, Lahore transformed into a yellow city with residents donning bright yellow outfits, preparing yellow-themed foods like saffron-flavored rice, and decorating homes in golden hues.
The government released an official Basant anthem #PhirAaiBasant, marking recognition of Basant as a cultural tradition under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. However, she emphasized that strict SOPs and security protocols were being enforced, with over 10,000 police personnel deployed for public safety.
