The Punjab government has started reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming Basant Festival, with initial allocations crossing Rs 300 million and estimates going as high as Rs 3 billion, according to official sources.
The budget mainly covers the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival. As per documents submitted by the event vendor, Jalal Salahuddin & Productions, the opening ceremony is planned at Shahi Qila, while the closing event will be held at Asif Jah Haveli.
Both ceremonies are expected to host more than 500 guests each, including government officials, cultural figures, and invited guests. Large-scale arrangements, security, stage setups, and logistics are part of the plan.
A major portion of the budget is allocated to artists’ fees, which has drawn attention. Well-known singers and performers are expected to be part of the celebrations, adding to the overall cost. In addition, a significant amount has been reserved for taxes and government charges, pushing the total estimate much higher.
The government has also approached M-Comm, an experienced event management company known for handling national-level events such as the Horse and Cattle Show. Officials believe professional management is necessary due to the scale of the festival.
Sources say a final decision regarding the budget, vendors, and event arrangements is expected soon after internal reviews are completed.
Budget Breakdown (Proposed)
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 🎤 Artists’ Fees | Over Rs 13.7 million |
| 🏰 Venue Arrangements | Millions of rupees |
| 👥 Guest Management (1000+ guests) | High logistical cost |
| 💸 Taxes & Government Charges | Over Rs 800 million |
| 🎪 Event Management & Production | Under review |
| 📊 Total Estimated Budget | Up to Rs 3 billion |
Key Artists and Proposed Fees
| Artist Name | Proposed Fee |
|---|---|
| ⭐ Fareeha Pervez | Rs 5 million |
| ⭐ Sahir Ali Bagga | Rs 3.2 million |
| ⭐ Arif Lohar | Rs 5.5 million |
Why the Budget Is Under Review
Officials say the review is necessary to ensure transparency and cost control. The inclusion of high artist fees and heavy tax allocations has raised questions within government circles. Authorities want to balance cultural celebration with responsible spending.
FAQs
What is Basant Festival?
Basant is a traditional spring festival celebrated in Punjab, known for kite flying, music, and cultural events.
Why is the budget so high?
The cost includes artist performances, large venues, guest management, security, production, and taxes.
Who is organizing the event?
The government has received proposals from Jalal Salahuddin & Productions and has also invited M-Comm for event management.
Are the venues finalized?
Yes, Shahi Qila is proposed for the opening ceremony, and Asif Jah Haveli for the closing event.
Has the budget been approved?
No, the budget is still under review. A final decision is expected soon.
Conclusion
The Punjab government’s plan to revive Basant on a grand scale reflects its focus on promoting culture and tourism. However, the high proposed budget, especially for artists and taxes, has led to careful scrutiny. As officials weigh costs against cultural value, the final decision will determine how lavish or controlled this year’s Basant celebrations will be.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at 8171 Rashan Program. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.