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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz appears determined to restore Punjab’s softer, more celebratory image, and with the return of Basant, she is leaning into the colourful side of the province. Her government’s latest move is the release of a festive Basant anthem, ‘Phir Aai Basant’ (Basant is back), released by the Information and Culture Department.

Shared via Alhamra Lahore’s official Instagram account, the anthem for what is being billed as Punjab’s most-awaited festival is sung by Sialkot-based singer and composer Bilal Saeed.

“Most awaited sound of the season, anthem ‘Phir Aai Basant’ is now live, presented by the Information & Culture Department Government of Punjab. Your rooftop deserves this volume. Share it now and join the movement!” the caption reads.

The music video stars model and actor Nabeel Zubairi alongside food blogger Ali Rehman and is shot in the streets of old Lahore, with scenes unfolding against the iconic picture wall of the Lahore Fort. Dancers clad in vibrant colours fill the frame, echoing the energy and visual spectacle of Basant — a time when the sky itself becomes a canvas.

The anthem has also weaved in safety messaging, subtly embedded within the lyrics. One line warns that anyone flouting the rules will be taken to the police station, followed by the reminder: “poora hokar zimedaar manana tehvaar (Celebrate the festival while acting responsibly).”

The three-day Basant festival is set to begin on February 6 in Lahore, except in certain areas near Lahore Airport.

To facilitate public participation, the chief minister has announced free travel on 419 buses, Metro Bus services, the Orange Line train, and 6,000 Yango rickshaws throughout the festival days. She also stated that more than 700,000 motorcycles in Lahore have been fitted with safety rods, with free installation camps set up across the city.

Reflecting on the festival’s cultural roots, the CM noted, while briefing the media on the festival’s arrangements, that Basant dates back to 1250 and marks the arrival of spring.

“Its colour is yellow, as yellow symbolises life returning to the land. This is life returning to Punjab,” she said.