Vasant Panchami, also spelled Basant Panchami, also called as Sri Panchami, is a Hindu spring festival.
Vasant Panchami has a specific meaning: Vasant means “spring” and Panchami means “the fifth day.” Thus, Vasant Panchami falls on the fifth day of spring. It is observed on the fifth day of the Indian traditional calendar month of Magha, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of January or February.
The festival is celebrated in various ways depending on the region. Many regions like Nepal, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam pray to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of learning, arts and music. People visit temples, have special pandals where the Goddess’ idol is installed for community worship, conduct musical programs, and hold special prayers for students. People wear yellow clothes as that is believed to be her favourite colour.
It is believed that Devi Saraswati was born on this day.
In southern states such as Andhra Pradesh, the same day is called Sri Panchami where “Sri” refers to another aspect of the goddess.
In other regions like Punjab and Haryana, people wear yellow clothes and eat yellow rice to emulate the yellow mustard (sarson) flower fields – which are ripe in this season. In Punjab, Sikhs and Hindus wear yellow turban or head dress and celebrate the day by flying kites.
In Maharashtra, newly married couples visit a temple and offer prayers on the first Vasant Panchami after the wedding.
Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for Holika bonfire and Holi, which occurs forty days later.