Is Punjab Closing Schools for 10 Days for Basant? What You Need to Know
In recent days, a claim has been circulating widely on social media and messaging apps. According to these posts, the Punjab government is planning to close schools for 10 days to mark Basant. The news has caused confusion among students, parents, and teachers across the province.
Basant has long been associated with spring, kite flying, and cultural activity in Lahore. In the past, schools were sometimes closed during the season. However, policies have changed over time, and many people are unsure what to believe.
This article explains the truth behind the 10-day school closure claim, what the Punjab government has officially announced, and what students and parents should realistically expect.
The 10-Day School Closure Claim Explained
The claim suggests that:
- Schools across Punjab will close for 10 days
- The closure is linked to Basant celebrations
- The decision has already been approved
However, after checking official sources, it is important to state clearly:
There is no official announcement confirming a 10-day school closure for Basant in Punjab.
No notification has been issued by:
- Punjab Government
- School Education Department
- District Education Authorities
Has Punjab Announced Any Basant-Related School Holidays?
At the moment, Punjab has not announced Basant holidays for schools across the province.
What has been announced is:
- A local holiday on February 6 in Lahore only
- This holiday is administrative, not labeled as a Basant holiday
- It applies mainly to government offices and institutions in Lahore
There is no province-wide school closure and no confirmation of multiple days off.
Why Do These Rumors Spread Every Year?
Every year around spring, similar claims appear. There are several reasons for this:
- Basant’s strong cultural memory in Lahore
- Old notifications being reshared online
- Fake screenshots of government letters
- Confusion between local holidays and public holidays
Many people assume that Basant automatically means school closures, but that has not been the case for many years.
What Is the Government’s Official Position on Basant?
The Punjab government’s position has remained consistent.
- Large-scale Basant celebrations are restricted
- Kite flying using dangerous strings remains banned
- No public holidays are linked to Basant
- Safety and law enforcement are the top priority
Because of past accidents and safety issues, authorities avoid decisions that could encourage mass celebrations.
Will Schools Be Closed for 10 Days Anywhere in Punjab?
The simple answer is no.
- No district has announced a 10-day closure
- No education department circular supports this claim
- No academic calendar has been revised
Schools across Punjab continue to operate according to their normal schedules, except for officially notified holidays.
What About Schools in Lahore?
In Lahore:
- Schools are likely to observe February 6 due to the local holiday
- This is expected to be one day only
- There is no confirmation of extended closures
Parents should confirm directly with school administrations for final confirmation.
Government Schools vs Private Schools
Government Schools
- Follow official notifications strictly
- Likely closed on Feb 6 in Lahore
- Remain open on other days
Private Schools
- Decide independently
- Some may observe the local holiday
- Others may continue classes or switch to online learning
Private schools are not required to close unless instructed by authorities.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities have also not announced any Basant holidays.
- Public colleges in Lahore may observe Feb 6
- Universities usually continue classes
- Exams and semesters are not affected
Students should not expect long breaks.
Is Basant a Gazetted Holiday in Punjab?
No.
- Basant is not listed as a gazetted holiday
- It does not appear in official holiday calendars
- Offices and institutions are not required to close
Only officially notified public holidays apply.
Social Media vs Official Notifications
Many viral posts claim inside information or leaked decisions. In reality:
- Government decisions are announced through official channels
- Education departments issue written circulars
- Trusted news outlets report confirmed updates
If a 10-day closure were real, it would be widely reported by official sources. That has not happened.
What Parents and Students Should Do
To avoid confusion and problems:
- Do not believe unverified social media posts
- Check school WhatsApp groups for official messages
- Contact school administration directly
- Follow updates from trusted news platforms
Skipping school based on rumors can lead to attendance issues.
Why a 10-Day Closure Is Unlikely
Several reasons make such a closure unrealistic:
- Academic calendars are tightly scheduled
- Exams and assessments are ongoing
- The government avoids disruptions
- Safety policies discourage Basant promotion
A 10-day break would require major planning and formal approval, which has not happened.
Past Experience With Basant Holidays
In recent years:
- No extended Basant holidays were granted
- Schools remained open during spring
- Only regular public holidays were observed
This pattern strongly suggests that current rumors are false.
What If Any New Decision Is Made?
If the government decides to announce:
- School closures
- Additional local holidays
- Any Basant-related adjustment
It will be communicated through:
- Official notifications
- Education department circulars
- Major news outlets
Until then, all claims should be treated as rumors.
Clear Facts at a Glance
Here is a simple summary:
- 10-day school closure: Not announced
- Province-wide Basant holidays: None
- Lahore local holiday: Feb 6 only
- Schools closed across Punjab: No
- Official confirmation: None
Conclusion – Punjab Closing Schools for 10 Days for Basant
The claim that Punjab is closing schools for 10 days for Basant is false. No official department has issued such an announcement, and schools across the province continue to follow their regular schedules.
The only confirmed update is a one-day local holiday on February 6 in Lahore, which is administrative and not officially declared as a Basant holiday. Parents and students are strongly advised to rely only on official notifications and avoid believing rumors shared on social media.
Until an official circular is issued, there are no extended Basant holidays for schools in Punjab.
