What is the story about?
Basant Panchami, or Vasant Panchami, is a festival that marks the arrival of spring in India. It’s a bright and joyful festival, rooted in love, colour
and renewal. It is dedicated to honouring Goddess Saraswati. She is the goddess of wisdom, learning, and art. Yellow takes over everything — clothes, flowers, food, and even the mood. Across India, people celebrate it in their own simple, beautiful ways. Here are five places you need to visit this January to experience how the festival truly comes alive.
Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata celebrates Basant Panchami with great devotion. Saraswati Puja is a major festival here. Schools and colleges decorate idols of the goddess. Young students in yellow gather to offer flowers, books, and heartfelt prayers—it’s lively and emotional, Community pandals are set up across the city. Families cook festive food at home. Khichuri, beguni, and sandesh are popular dishes. Temples like Dakshineswar and Belur Math feel calm and spiritual during the day. The city celebrates knowledge and learning in the most heartfelt way.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
In Jaipur, Basant Panchami means kite flying. The city’s sky fills with colourful kites. People gather on rooftops from morning to evening. Music plays in the background. Laughter fills the air. The weather feels perfect. Temples and palaces light up, yellow clothes take over the markets, and everywhere you look, there’s a sense of celebration. Jaipur feels lively, festive, and full of colour during Basant Panchami.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain offers a quiet and spiritual celebration. The city is one of the holiest places in India. On Basant Panchami, special prayers are held at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Devotees visit early in the morning. The energy feels calm and sacred. Cultural programs take place near the Shipra River. Evening prayers feel peaceful. Simple foods like poha and jalebi are essential to the day.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi feels deeply spiritual during Basant Panchami. The ghats of the Ganges glow with lamps. Saraswati Puja is performed across the city. Temples, schools, and homes take part. Morning boat rides offer a beautiful view of prayers and chants. The air feels devotional. Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple adds to the experience. Street food like kachori-sabzi and malaiyo brings warmth and flavour. The festival here feels soulful and timeless.
Punjab
Punjab celebrates Basant Panchami as Basant. The mood is joyful and energetic. Mustard fields bloom in bright yellow. Kite flying is a major highlight. Folk music and dance fill the villages and cities. People wear yellow clothes and celebrate outdoors. Gurudwaras welcome devotees with prayers. Traditional Punjabi food is enjoyed with family and friends. The festival feels connected to nature and community.
