Basant Panchami has a specific meaning: Basant means "spring" and Panchami means "the fifth day." Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day of spring. The festival is widely observed in the northern part of the Subcontinent.

Basant Panchami is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Magha.

In the Punjab region, Basant is celebrated as a seasonal festival by all the faiths, as it is known as the Basant Festival of Kites. Nearly two hundred years ago Maharaja Ranjit Singh introduced the tradition of flying kites on Basant. The festival became very popular in the Punjab region.

Children and adults generally fly kites to mark the auspicious occasion. This has led to the festival being called as the “Festival of Kites.” People buy thread and kites in huge quantities to fly overhead.

Basant Panchami and Holi

Basant Panchami is the first spring-themed festivals in Hindu culture. It initiates the spring festive cycle and heralds its summation that occurs with Holi. The 40-day period between both the festivals corresponds to the 40 days of Rati's penance after her husband; Kamadeva was reduced to ashes for shooting the eye of Shiva with his love arrows.

Between Basant Panchami and Holi, preparations are made for numerous effigy of the demoness Holika. At the beginning of Basant Panchami, a log with a figure of Holika is placed in a public place and during the 40 days, the log is added with twigs and other combustible material to form a pyre, which is lit on the day of Holi.

The singing of Holi songs and the throwing of color begin on Vasant Panchami and continue throughout the Holi, in places such as Balarama temple in Baithain.

We heartily welcome you to celebrate “Basant Mela” (the festival of kites) on March 11th at Fountain Park 12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 from 11:00 a.m. onwards.

People, who are interested in celebrating the beautiful festival of kites, can please contact:

Sardar - (623) 570-9526.

AMandeep