Basant Panchami

History of Basant Panchami

While this event is celebrated by Hindus all over India (and parts of Asia), they celebrate it for different reasons. For some, it is a harvest festival. Others believe it signifies the spring season. And some worship the Indian goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning — Saraswati — on this day.

One particular legend associated with this festival deals with the famous 4th century Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. It is said that in his despair of getting dumped by his wife, he planned to end his life by jumping in a river. The Goddess Saraswati emerged from those waters before he could go through with it and asked him to only bathe in the waters. As Kalidasa took this dip, the water blessed him with wisdom, and he emerged a changed man (and later, a famous poet). Accordingly, people also commemorate Saraswati’s blessing during this festival. Devotees pray to this goddess in the hopes that they, too, can gain wisdom.

This festival is celebrated in various ways, depending on the region and religion. However disparate the customs, one tradition is common — the color yellow. Yellow holds a special meaning for this festival. People wear yellow sarees (an Indian draped garment), eat yellow sweets and food items, and decorate their homes with yellow flowers. Saraswati’s affinity for the color yellow is one reason it features so prominently during these celebrations. Another reason — fields around India become ripe with the yellow flower of the mustard crop. In keeping with the traits of the goddess being worshipped, people celebrate with music, dancing, and a little bit of learning.

Basant Panchami timeline

12th Century

Adopted By Indian Muslim Sufis

Legend has it that saint Hazrat Nizamuddin’s disciple adopts Basant Panchami traditions to see his master laugh again after suffering a personal loss; the festival starts being celebrated by this Chishti order — a Muslim Ṣūfī order from India and Pakistan.

1780 — 1839

Encouragement For This Event

Maharaja Ranjit Singh encourages these celebrations as a social event; the king and his queen dress in yellow and fly kites to honor this day.

1825

The Annual Basant Fair

Maharaja Ranjit Singh holds annual fairs where soldiers dress in yellow and show off their military skills.

February 16, 2021

How the Famous Celebrate

Bollywood celebrities join the hordes of famous industrialists, sportspersons, and television stars wishing their followers and celebrating in amazing yellow costumes.

Basant Panchami FAQs

When is Basant Panchami?

In 2027, Basant Panchami will be observed on Thursday, February 11. The festival’s date shifts annually as it is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically the fifth day of the month of Magha.

What is the significance of Basant Panchami?

The festival is particularly important for students and artists, who often place their books and instruments before an idol of Saraswati to receive her blessings. It also marks the start of preparations for Holi, the festival of colors, which follows 40 days later.

How is Basant Panchami celebrated?

Educational institutions often hold special assemblies or cultural programs, and children are sometimes initiated into learning on this day. Families gather to share festive meals, and communities organize events featuring music, dance, and art exhibitions.

Why is yellow worn on Basant Panchami?

Beyond its visual appeal, the color yellow is considered auspicious in Hinduism and is often linked to wisdom and knowledge, making it a fitting hue for a festival dedicated to the goddess of learning. It signifies the vibrancy and new life of spring.

Basant Panchami Activities

Go yellow

Do it with food: Eat rice infused with saffron; add a little turmeric to your curry; buy a lemon tart. Do it with clothes: Try out Indian wear in this color, or simply wear any yellow-colored garments. Do it with decor: Set out your sunshine-colored glassware; arrange pots of cheery yellow flowers; tie a yellow bow on your cat.

Honor the goddess

Saraswati embodies knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. Spend the day celebrating these skills and even honing them. Encourage others to hone their skills in this area too.

Plan a new event on this day

New activities undertaken on this day are considered auspicious. So try out something new — a course, a class, or even a big date.

5 Fun Facts About The Basant Panchami Festivals

It leads into another festival

Basant Panchami marks the start of preparation for another major Indian festival — Holika or Holi — which is held forty days later.

Celebrations in Bali

The Hindus of Indonesia and the island of Bali call this day ‘Hari Raya Saraswati (great day of Saraswati)’, and it marks the beginning of the Balinese Pawukon calendar.