There is something quietly hopeful about Basant Panchami. It arrives just as winter begins to soften, bringing with it the promise of renewal, learning, and warmth. Celebrated on January 23, 2026, the festival marks the beginning of spring. Across India, the day unfolds in very different ways. Some places turn deeply devotional, others burst into colour and sound, while a few slow everything down into moments of reflection. If you are planning to travel around Basant Panchami, these are the places where the festival becomes an experience rather than just a date on the calendar.
The festival of Basant Panchami in Kolkata evokes a close relationship with cultural history in the city. The first day of the festival marks the start of Spring (Saraswati Puja), where the entire city dresses in yellow as it celebrates this festival together. Both educational institutions and homes prepare days in advance, carefully arranging books, notebooks, musical instruments, and art supplies before the goddess. You will see students dressed in yellow, moving between neighbourhood pandals with a mix of excitement and devotion. Sweet shops are busy from early morning, shelves lined with seasonal treats. Temples like Dakshineswar and Belur Math offer peaceful pauses amid the buzz. Staying in central Kolkata makes it easy to drift through the city, catching fragments of prayer, laughter, and conversation that together form the true rhythm of the festival.
Jaipur celebrates Basant Panchami by looking up. The city’s rooftops and skies become vibrant with colour as people fly kites, with families and friends gathering to enjoy the seasonal transition together. Shops, temples and other businesses all glow with the yellow light of springtime brightness. Between your kite-flying sessions, there are many things to do, such as exploring the old city with its historical forts, visiting temples, and tasting Rajasthani snacks that are a treat on this festive day. Choose a heritage-style haveli or boutique accommodation, and you will experience the rhythm of the festival, where celebration takes place in the sky above streets that are filled with history.
In Varanasi, Basant Panchami is an opportunity for self-reflection. On this day, the celebrations start early in the morning with prayers, rituals, and ceremonies taking place along the banks of the Ganges. Lamps float on the water with prayers being chanted. In temples and at home, people perform Saraswati Puja. Meanwhile, the city of Varanasi continues to flow timelessly. As you walk through the narrow lanes, you will encounter silk shops, street vendors selling food, and moments of devotion to everyday life. A stay near the ghats enables you to witness the entire festival from dawn until sunset.
Basant Panchami in Prayagraj carries special significance because it coincides with the Magh Mela period. The city becomes a gathering ground for pilgrims who arrive to bathe at the Sangam, where the Ganga and Yamuna meet. The riverbanks fill with prayer, music, spiritual discourse, and cultural performances that extend throughout the day. There is a sense of collective purpose here, as faith and seasonal renewal merge. Stay in temporary camps and simple homestays near the mela area to keep you close to the action, making it easier to witness how Basant Panchami becomes part of a much larger spiritual landscape.
In Punjab, Basant Panchami doesn’t stay tucked away. It moves straight into fields, terraces, and open courtyards. Mustard crops glow under the sun, and there’s a sense that people have been waiting for this day. Kites rise, drums start beating, and music finds its way into every corner. Choose a village stay or a small-town home, and you’ll slip right into the mood. Someone hums a folk tune, someone else claps along, and before long, bhangra takes over. Meals arrive in generous portions that feel rich, filling, and meant to be shared. Here, Basant Panchami is less planned and more like spring being welcomed together.
Ujjain greets Basant Panchami with restraint. People head to the Mahakaleshwar Temple early, setting the tone for the day. Along the Shipra River, prayers, music, and small gatherings mark the occasion without taking over the city. The day carries an easy pace. A plate of poha and jalebi brings comfort and warmth, giving you a reason to linger. Stay in a heritage guesthouse or a simple hotel, and you’ll notice how Ujjain lets the season settle in on its own terms— no rush, no spectacle, just spring finding its place.
1. When is Basant Panchami in 2026?
Basant Panchami will be celebrated on 23 January 2026, marking the arrival of spring and honouring Goddess Saraswati.
2. Which places in India are best to experience Basant Panchami?
Kolkata, Jaipur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Punjab, and Ujjain offer some of the most immersive Basant Panchami experiences.
3. Why is Basant Panchami significant in Kolkata?
In Kolkata, Basant Panchami coincides with Saraswati Puja, when students, families, and institutions celebrate learning and culture.
4. Is Basant Panchami a good time to travel in India?
Yes, January weather is pleasant across most regions, and Basant Panchami adds cultural depth to winter travel plans.
5. How is Basant Panchami celebrated differently across India?
Celebrations range from devotional rituals and riverbank prayers to kite flying, folk music, community feasts, and quiet temple visits.