Basant Panchami

बसंत पंचमी

Kumaon & Garhwal

What Basant Panchami marks

The festival that announces spring and honours Saraswati, goddess of learning. In the hills it is also when the first yellow mustard and marigolds appear, and yellow is worn and offered everywhere.

How it's celebrated

People wear yellow, offer yellow flowers and sweets, and it is considered an auspicious day to begin a child's education. In many homes it opens the run-up to the spring festivals of Phool Dei and Bikhauti.