Basant

Basant is a festival associated with the arrival of spring in South Asia, most closely linked to the Punjabi term basant meaning spring. It is commonly observed as Basant Panchami, which in the Hindu calendar falls on the fifth day of the lunar month of Magh, typically around January or February. The celebration blends religious and seasonal motifs and is widespread in parts of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bengal regions under various local customs.

The festival is traditionally dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and the arts. Observances emphasize the color yellow, symbolizing ripening crops and the brightness of spring. Devotees wear yellow garments, offer yellow flowers and sweets, and schools and households decorate altars with yellow fabrics and lamps. In many places, a renewal of learning and cultural activities accompanies the worship. In Punjab and some neighboring regions, Basant has historic associations with outdoor celebrations and kite flying, an activity that has become a hallmark of Basant Utsav in certain cities.

Regional variations and modern status: Basant is celebrated differently across countries and communities. In Pakistan, especially in Lahore, Basant was famous for large-scale kite flying but has faced safety concerns and periodic restrictions or bans due to injuries and legal concerns about glass-coated strings. In other areas, Basant Panchami remains primarily a religious and cultural observance without large public festivities. Some communities observe Basant as Basanta Puja or Basanta Panchami with local customs centered on Saraswati worship and spring symbolism.

Beyond the festival, Basant is also used as a given name or surname in South Asia.