Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Uttarakhand. The festival falls on the fifth day of the bright half of the Magha month (January/February). Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts, is worshipped on this day. Schools and educational institutions organize special pujas. People wear yellow clothes symbolizing the mustard flowers that bloom across the valleys. In many parts of Kumaon and Garhwal, cultural programs, music competitions, and poetry recitals are held. Temples dedicated to Saraswati see large gatherings. Traditional Kumaoni and Garhwali folk songs about spring are performed.