New Delhi: Spring in India arrives with Basant Panchami, a festival that marks renewal, learning, and quiet joy. Celebrated in honour of Goddess Saraswati,
the day blends prayer, colour, music, and seasonal traditions across regions. Yellow dominates homes, temples, and streets, symbolising energy and hope. While rituals differ by place, the emotion remains shared. Basant Panchami in 2026 offers travellers a chance to witness how culture, faith, and local life come together in simple, meaningful ways during early spring celebrations nationwide traditionally.
The festival is observed on the fifth day of the lunar month of Magha and is closely linked with education, arts, and seasonal change. Across India, people visit temples, organise community gatherings, fly kites, and prepare local food. Each destination adds its own rhythm, making Basant Panchami both intimate and visually festive for families, travellers, and culture lovers alike nationwide.
Indian cities to experience Basant Panchami or Saraswati Puja
1. Kolkata, West Bengal
In Kolkata, Basant Panchami is deeply associated with Saraswati Puja. Schools, colleges, and neighbourhood pandals install idols of the goddess, and students dressed in yellow and other light colours offer books and flowers with devotion. Places like Dakshineswar and Belur Math remain calm and spiritual, reflecting the city’s emotional connection with learning.
Where to watch kite flying in Kolkata
- Howrah
- Bally
- Dum Dum
- Santosh Miitra Square
- Bowbazar
- Picnic Bazar
Things to eat in Kolkata
- Bhoger khichuri
- Labra
- Fritters
- Kuler chutney
- Payesh
- Basanti Pulao
- Hilsa or Ilish fish
- Dodhikorma
- Gota sheddho
- Narkel naru
- Sondesh and rajbhog
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur celebrates Basant Panchami through rooftop kite flying. The sky fills with colour as families gather from morning to evening, accompanied by music and laughter. Markets glow with yellow clothing, and the pleasant weather adds to the festive mood, making the city feel open, lively, and celebratory.
Where to watch kite flying in Jaipur
- Jaipur Polo Ground
- Jal Mahal
- Old City Rooftops
- City Palace
What to eat in Jaipur
- Kesari bhatt or meethe chawal
- Boondi ladoo
- Besan ladoo
- Kesar halwa or Mango rava halwa
- Rajbhog
- Yellow khichdi
- Pyaz kachori
3. Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain observes the festival in a quieter, spiritual manner. Special prayers take place at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, with devotees arriving early. Cultural activities near the Shipra River add depth to the day, while simple foods like poha and jalebi remain central to the celebration.
Where to watch kite flying in Ujjain
- Old city rooftops
- Shipra River Banks
- Karthik Mela Ground
What to eat in Ujjain
- Meethe chawal or sweet saffron rice
- Kesari sheera
- Boondi ladoo
- Rajbhog
- Poha and jalebi
- Kachori
- Gulab jamun
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
In Varanasi, Basant Panchami unfolds with devotion along the Ganges. Saraswati Puja is performed in temples, homes, and schools. Morning boat rides offer views of lamps and chants, while visits to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and local food like kachori-sabzi and malaiyo complete the experience.
Where to watch kite flying in Varanasi
- Ganga ghats
- City rooftops
What to eat in Varanasi
- Kachori sabzi and aloo tikki
- Tamatar chaat
- Thandai
- Banarasi paan
5. Amritsar and Patiala, Punjab
Punjab celebrates Basant with energy and outdoor joy. Blooming mustard fields set the tone as kite flying, folk music, and dance fill villages and towns. People wear yellow, gather in open spaces, and visit gurudwaras, making the festival a vibrant community affair.
Where to watch kite flying in Amritsar and Patiala
- Kite Flying Clubs, Amritsar
- Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Patiala
- Baradari Gardens, Patiala
What to eat in Amritsar and Patiala
- Besan ladoo
- Peda
- Malpua
- Yellow khichdi
- Sarson da saag
- Makki di roti
- Kadhi pakora
- Yellow poori or methi poori
6. Guwahati and Upper Assam towns, Assam
In Assam, Basant Panchami is closely linked with Saraswati Puja, especially in Guwahati and other towns. Educational institutions, naamghars, and homes organise prayers dedicated to the goddess of knowledge. Students place books near the idol and seek blessings for learning.
Where to watch kite flying in Guwahati and other towns
Kite flying in Assam isn’t a major activity, but it’s still a joyous one
- Latasil field
- Brahmaputra Riverfront
What to eat in Assam
- Khichdi
- Traditional Assamese dishes
- Nariyal ladoo
- Til ladoo
- Nariyal pitha
- Til pitha
- Tekeli pitha
- Sunga pitha
Basant Panchami across India is less about grandeur and more about shared moments of faith, colour, and renewal. Each city offers a different way to welcome spring, making the festival a gentle reminder to pause, look around, and celebrate learning and life together.
