India welcomes the cheerful arrival of spring with the vibrant celebration of Basant Panchami on January 23, 2026. This auspicious day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the symbol of knowledge, music, and all arts. Across the country, schools and colleges observe the occasion with prayers and hymns, seeking divine blessings for learning, wisdom and creativity.&nbsp;In North India, particularly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, Basant Panchami is also synonymous with the lively tradition of kite flying. Skies come alive with kites of different shapes and bright colours, capturing the festive spirit and sense of freedom that spring represents.<h3>Why are kites flown on Basant Panchami?</h3>Among India’s six seasons, spring holds a special place, with Basant Panchami marking its peak. This is the time when nature sheds the chill of winter, fields turn lush with shades of green and yellow, and an atmosphere of joy fills the air. Over centuries, these signs of renewal and happiness have become closely linked with the age-old custom of flying kites.&nbsp;Kites are more than just a visual delight. They represent hope, ambition and dreams. As they soar into the sky, they are believed to carry people’s wishes upward, while their struggle against the wind mirrors life’s challenges. Keeping a kite aloft reflects perseverance, balance and determination.&nbsp;Though rooted in ancient traditions, today kite flying has become a popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages, particularly in North India. Families and friends come together on rooftops and open grounds to fly kites and share laughter as well as excitement, making Basant Panchami a true celebration of togetherness and joy.<h3>How is Basant Panchami celebrated in different states?</h3><ul><li>West Bengal &amp; Bihar: Known as Saraswati Puja, this is a major festival. Educational institutions, homes, and public pandals install Saraswati idols, performing elaborate rituals. Children often start their education (AksharAbhyasam) on this day. In Bihar, the Deo Sun Temple is specifically celebrated for its founding.</li><li>Punjab &amp; Haryana: Celebrated as a harvest festival, the sky is filled with kites (often yellow). People wear yellow, eat yellow rice, and enjoy festive, Lohri-style feasts.</li><li>Maharashtra: Newly married couples perform special rituals and prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, wearing yellow garments to celebrate their first Basant.</li><li>Rajasthan: It is customary to wear jasmine garlands and offer yellow flowers to the deity.</li><li>Uttarakhand: Along with Saraswati, people worship Shiva and Parvati, often arranging feasts and traditional dance forms like Jhumelia and Chounphula.</li><li>South India: Known as Sri Panchami, it is marked by temples, prayers, school rituals, and the worship of books and instruments.&nbsp;</li></ul>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/basant-panchami-2026-why-are-kites-flown-on-vasant-panchami-learn-how-to-celebrate-it-in-different-states-1769091331076">Happy Basant Panchami 2026: 30+ messages, wishes, quotes and WhatsApp status for friends and family to share</a>&nbsp;

In North India, particularly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, Basant Panchami is also synonymous with the lively tradition of kite flying. Skies come alive with kites of different shapes and bright colours, capturing the festive spirit and sense of freedom that spring represents.

India welcomes the cheerful arrival of spring with the vibrant celebration of Basant Panchami on January 23, 2026. This auspicious day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the symbol of knowledge, music, and all arts. Across the country, schools and colleges observe the occasion with prayers and hymns, seeking divine blessings for learning, wisdom and creativity. In North India, particularly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, Basant Panchami is also synonymous with the lively tradition of kite flying. Skies come alive with kites of different shapes and bright colours, capturing the festive spirit and sense of freedom that spring represents. Why are kites flown on Basant Panchami? Among India’s six seasons, spring holds a special place, with Basant Panchami marking its peak. This is the time when nature sheds the chill of winter, fields turn lush with shades of green and yellow, and an atmosphere of joy fills the air. Over centuries, these signs of renewal and happiness have become closely linked with the age-old custom of flying kites. Kites are more than just a visual delight. They represent hope, ambition and dreams. As they soar into the sky, they are believed to carry people’s wishes upward, while their struggle against the wind mirrors life’s challenges. Keeping a kite aloft reflects perseverance, balance and determination. Though rooted in ancient traditions, today kite flying has become a popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages, particularly in North India. Families and friends come together on rooftops and open grounds to fly kites and share laughter as well as excitement, making Basant Panchami a true celebration of togetherness and joy. How is Basant Panchami celebrated in different states? West Bengal & Bihar: Known as Saraswati Puja, this is a major festival. Educational institutions, homes, and public pandals install Saraswati idols, performing elaborate rituals. Children often start their education (AksharAbhyasam) on this day. In Bihar, the Deo Sun Temple is specifically celebrated for its founding. Punjab & Haryana: Celebrated as a harvest festival, the sky is filled with kites (often yellow). People wear yellow, eat yellow rice, and enjoy festive, Lohri-style feasts. Maharashtra: Newly married couples perform special rituals and prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, wearing yellow garments to celebrate their first Basant. Rajasthan: It is customary to wear jasmine garlands and offer yellow flowers to the deity. Uttarakhand: Along with Saraswati, people worship Shiva and Parvati, often arranging feasts and traditional dance forms like Jhumelia and Chounphula. South India: Known as Sri Panchami, it is marked by temples, prayers, school rituals, and the worship of books and instruments. Also read: Happy Basant Panchami 2026: 30+ messages, wishes, quotes and WhatsApp status for friends and family to share

In North India, particularly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, Basant Panchami is also synonymous with the lively tradition of kite flying. Skies come alive with kites of different shapes and bright colours, capturing the festive spirit and sense of freedom that spring represents.

Basant Panchami 2026: Why are kites flown on Vasant Panchami? Learn how to celebrate it in different states

The third 'Amrit Snan' at the Maha Kumbh proceeded smoothly on Monday with lakhs of people taking a dip on the occasion of Basant Panchmi and akharas resuming the grand processions curtailed last week when a stampede killed at least 30 people. Watch in for more details!

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: 'Basant Panchami' sees record-breaking crowds at Maha Kumbh

Basant Panchami 2023:&nbsp;Basant Panchami, also called Saraswati Puja, celebrates the arrival of the spring festival in India. Usually, the festival falls between the end of January and the start of February. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. In 2023, Indians will celebrate Basant Panchami on January 26. People of Bihar and West Bengal celebrate Saraswati Puja. However, in Punjab, people celebrate the festival by flying kites. Rajasthanis consider wearing jasmine garlands auspicious on the&nbsp;holy day. The auspicious occasion also marks the start of preparations for Holi, which comes forty days after Saraswati Puja.

<h2>Basant Panchami 2023 wishes</h2>

Hindus all over the world celebrate Basant Panchami as they honour the arrival of the spring season. Wishes and messages at festivals can make your loved ones feel special. Here are some wishes you can send to your family members and friends on Basant Panchami 2023. You can also use them as your WhatsApp status.

"Happy Basant Panchami! On this auspicious day, may Goddess Saraswati bless you and your family with infinite wisdom and prosperity."

"May your life turn into happy shades as you dance to the beautiful tunes of nature in the upcoming spring season. Happy Basant Panchami 2023."

"Today, we pray to Goddess Saraswati and our divine deities, Vasant and Kamdeva. On Basant Panchami, I hope they fulfil all your wishes and desires."

"On this delightful occasion, may Goddess Saraswati shower blessings, knowledge, and wealth on you and your loved ones."

"As we celebrate the arrival of Basant, I hope all the great works you begin in 2023 become successful. Wishing you a happy Saraswati Puja!"

"May the goddess remove darkness and negativity and brighten your life with the glow of knowledge and peace."

<h2>Basant Panchami 2023 puja time &amp; significance</h2>

In India, the yellow colour has a lot of significance on the auspicious day of Saraswati Puja. Yellow symbolises the spirit of life and the vividness of nature. It is also known as the colour of love, purity, and prosperity.

According to drigpanchang, the Panchami Tithi will start at 12:34 PM on January 25, 2023. It will end at 10:28 AM on January 26, 2023. The auspicious puja time for the festival is between 7:12 AM to 12:34 PM.

Basant Panchami has great significance for Hindus, and many folktales and stories are associated with it. Legend says that Kalidasa gained his knowledge after bathing in the holy river Saraswati. Moreover, on this day, Lord Shiva agreed to bring Kamdeva back to life at his wife Rati's request after 40 days.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-sonam-wangchuk-inspiration-for-3-idiots-calls-for-climate-fast-on-jan-26-555825">Exclusive: Sonam Wangchuk, inspiration for '3 Idiots', calls for 'climate fast' on Jan 26</a>

Basant Panchami 2023: Basant Panchami, also called Saraswati Puja, celebrates the arrival of the spring festival in India. Usually, the festival falls between the end of January and the start of February.

Basant Panchami 2023: Basant Panchami, also called Saraswati Puja, celebrates the arrival of the spring festival in India. Usually, the festival falls between the end of January and the start of February. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. In 2023, Indians will celebrate Basant Panchami on January 26. People of Bihar and West Bengal celebrate Saraswati Puja. However, in Punjab, people celebrate the festival by flying kites. Rajasthanis consider wearing jasmine garlands auspicious on the holy day. The auspicious occasion also marks the start of preparations for Holi, which comes forty days after Saraswati Puja. Basant Panchami 2023 wishes Hindus all over the world celebrate Basant Panchami as they honour the arrival of the spring season. Wishes and messages at festivals can make your loved ones feel special. Here are some wishes you can send to your family members and friends on Basant Panchami 2023. You can also use them as your WhatsApp status. "Happy Basant Panchami! On this auspicious day, may Goddess Saraswati bless you and your family with infinite wisdom and prosperity." "May your life turn into happy shades as you dance to the beautiful tunes of nature in the upcoming spring season. Happy Basant Panchami 2023." "Today, we pray to Goddess Saraswati and our divine deities, Vasant and Kamdeva. On Basant Panchami, I hope they fulfil all your wishes and desires." "On this delightful occasion, may Goddess Saraswati shower blessings, knowledge, and wealth on you and your loved ones." "As we celebrate the arrival of Basant, I hope all the great works you begin in 2023 become successful. Wishing you a happy Saraswati Puja!" "May the goddess remove darkness and negativity and brighten your life with the glow of knowledge and peace." Basant Panchami 2023 puja time & significance In India, the yellow colour has a lot of significance on the auspicious day of Saraswati Puja. Yellow symbolises the spirit of life and the vividness of nature. It is also known as the colour of love, purity, and prosperity. According to drigpanchang, the Panchami Tithi will start at 12:34 PM on January 25, 2023. It will end at 10:28 AM on January 26, 2023. The auspicious puja time for the festival is between 7:12 AM to 12:34 PM. Basant Panchami has great significance for Hindus, and many folktales and stories are associated with it. Legend says that Kalidasa gained his knowledge after bathing in the holy river Saraswati. Moreover, on this day, Lord Shiva agreed to bring Kamdeva back to life at his wife Rati's request after 40 days. ALSO READ | Exclusive: Sonam Wangchuk, inspiration for '3 Idiots', calls for 'climate fast' on Jan 26

Basant Panchami 2023: Wishes, quotes, messages, WhatsApp status, auspicious time, significance, pooja time

Hindu devotees converged at the banks of 'Sangam' - the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati - in India's northern Prayagraj city on Thursday (January 30) to take a dip in the holy waters on the occasion of spring festival, 'Basant Panchami'.

Indians mark spring festival with holy dips, prayers

Protests erupted in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka after the city polls coincided with the annual Saraswati puja festival. Saraswati puja is also known as Basant Panchami, which is one of the biggest religious festivals of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The polls are scheduled for January 30.

Dhaka Polls Vs Saraswati Puja: Plea to change poll date rejected

Protests erupted in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka after the city polls coincided with the annual Saraswati puja festival.

The polls are scheduled for January 30, the same day as Saraswati puja also known as Basant Panchami festival which is&nbsp;one of the biggest religious festivals of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Over the last two days, thousands have taken to the streets of Dhaka urging the Election Commission&nbsp;to re-schedule the polls.

The matter reached the High Court after a plea was filed urging to re-schedule the election date. However, it was rejected as court said,&nbsp;'declared' day for the Saraswati puja is January 29.

But, petitioners say that the puja will be celebrated over two days, January 29 and 30.

The Election Commission has also rejected the protesters' demand saying it cannot&nbsp;be postponed as high school exams begin from February 2.

The Election Commission further&nbsp;told the protesters to respect the court's order.&nbsp;

According to the 2011 census, Muslims constitute around 90 per cent of the population of Bangladesh while Hindus are the second-largest religious group accounting for nearly 9 per cent.

Secularism 'was' one of the four fundamental principles, according to the 1972 constitution of Bangladesh; but&nbsp;the term was removed from the Constitution in 1977.

&nbsp;

Protests erupted in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka after the city polls coincided with the annual Saraswati puja festival. The polls are scheduled for January 30, the same day as Saraswati puja also known as Basant Panchami festival which is one of the biggest religious festivals of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Protests erupted in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka after the city polls coincided with the annual Saraswati puja festival. The polls are scheduled for January 30, the same day as Saraswati puja also known as Basant Panchami festival which is one of the biggest religious festivals of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Over the last two days, thousands have taken to the streets of Dhaka urging the Election Commission to re-schedule the polls. The matter reached the High Court after a plea was filed urging to re-schedule the election date. However, it was rejected as court said, 'declared' day for the Saraswati puja is January 29. But, petitioners say that the puja will be celebrated over two days, January 29 and 30. The Election Commission has also rejected the protesters' demand saying it cannot be postponed as high school exams begin from February 2. The Election Commission further told the protesters to respect the court's order. According to the 2011 census, Muslims constitute around 90 per cent of the population of Bangladesh while Hindus are the second-largest religious group accounting for nearly 9 per cent. Secularism 'was' one of the four fundamental principles, according to the 1972 constitution of Bangladesh; but the term was removed from the Constitution in 1977.

Bangladesh: Protests erupt in Dhaka after poll date clashes with Saraswati puja

Police in Pakistan's Punjab province has arrested over 3,700 people as part of a crackdown against those involved in kite flying, which has been banned due to deaths caused by the sharp thread used in the activity.&nbsp;

The Punjab police launched the clampdown on kite flyers after the provincial government decided not to restore the Basant festival, traditionally associated with kite flying.&nbsp;

Deaths caused by the string of stray kites is the reason mentioned by the government for not observing Basant.&nbsp;

"Police in their action against the people involved in kite flying have arrested more than 3,700 during the last one week from different cities including Lahore, Fasialabad, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura," Punjab police spokesperson Nabila Ghazanfar said in a statement issued here on Thursday.&nbsp;

She said the police have intensified the action against the kite flying on the order of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. She said the crackdown will continue throughout the spring as more people tend to indulge in kite flying in the season.&nbsp;

Earlier the government had announced that it was lifting the 12-year-old ban imposed on celebrating the Basant festival, which marks the arrival of spring season.

The decision was challenged in the Lahore high court. The petitioner had claimed that it was "unconstitutional" to allow a leisure activity that resulted in the loss of human lives".&nbsp; 
Subsequently, the Punjab government told the court that it had withdrawn its decision to hold the Basant festival.&nbsp;

In 2005, after 19 people were killed and numerous injuries were reported, the Supreme Court of Pakistan banned kite flying in the province. Thereafter, the Punjab government introduced a law prohibiting vendors from selling kites and manufacturing kite related paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Police in Pakistan's Punjab province has arrested over 3,700 people as part of a crackdown against those involved in kite flying, which has been banned due to deaths caused by the sharp thread used in the activity.

Police in Pakistan's Punjab province has arrested over 3,700 people as part of a crackdown against those involved in kite flying, which has been banned due to deaths caused by the sharp thread used in the activity. The Punjab police launched the clampdown on kite flyers after the provincial government decided not to restore the Basant festival, traditionally associated with kite flying. Deaths caused by the string of stray kites is the reason mentioned by the government for not observing Basant. "Police in their action against the people involved in kite flying have arrested more than 3,700 during the last one week from different cities including Lahore, Fasialabad, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura," Punjab police spokesperson Nabila Ghazanfar said in a statement issued here on Thursday. She said the police have intensified the action against the kite flying on the order of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. She said the crackdown will continue throughout the spring as more people tend to indulge in kite flying in the season. Earlier the government had announced that it was lifting the 12-year-old ban imposed on celebrating the Basant festival, which marks the arrival of spring season. The decision was challenged in the Lahore high court. The petitioner had claimed that it was "unconstitutional" to allow a leisure activity that resulted in the loss of human lives". Subsequently, the Punjab government told the court that it had withdrawn its decision to hold the Basant festival. In 2005, after 19 people were killed and numerous injuries were reported, the Supreme Court of Pakistan banned kite flying in the province. Thereafter, the Punjab government introduced a law prohibiting vendors from selling kites and manufacturing kite related paraphernalia.

Over 3,700 people arrested in Pakistan's Punjab province for flying kites

Magnificent display of devotion at Kumbh Mela as country celebrates Basant Panchami

Hours before sunrise, lakhs of devotees had already taken a dip in Sangam on Basant Panchami the third and final shahi snaan during the Kumbh.&nbsp;

Many were seen carrying the holy water of the Ganges, a sense of satisfaction reflected on their faces.

Even before 2 am, a number of devotees were seen taking the exit route from the Mela area and searching for a mode of transport to reach their respective destinations.

It was 1.45 am, and Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Banda, was heading home.

"The main reason to take the (holy) dip early was that I will get ample amount of time to reach home. The crowd was relatively less and hence there were no problems," he said.

Deepak Kumar, who runs a cafe and is a resident of Fatehpur district, said, "I took the dip at around 1.00 am. I now have time to explore the city. Apart from this, it also helps me in returning home in time."

The devotees appeared excited and the cold breeze sweeping the Sangam area could not deter their spirit. Chants of 'Har Har Gangey' and 'Jai Ganga Maiyya' filled the air around the venue. Visitors were also seen clicking selfies at various locations in the Mela area.

As the number of visitors began increasing, police officials issued instructions to them to take a specific exit route.

"Close to 50 lakh devotees had already taken dip before sunrise," Kumbh Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand told PTI.

Siddh Pratap Singh Baghel, who came from Katni in Madhya Pradesh along with his friends Pramod Chaurasia and Brijesh Kumar Pandey, said, "Initially when we went to take a dip, the rush was relatively less. However, as soon as we came out, the number of devotees started increasing."

On their way back home, the three carried the holy Ganga water with them.

Residents of Bhadohi, Dharmendra Vishwakarma and his wife Malti Devi took the holy dip at around 12.30 am and were seen leaving the Mela venue before 2.00 am.

Dharmendra Vishwakarma said, "People had started taking a dip at around 12.30 am, and we were able to reach there in time. As we were leaving the ghat, we noticed the number of devotees reaching there increasing."

Malti Devi said she wanted to reach home early and hence wanted to take an early dip.

Shahi snaan at Sangam the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati is a central highlight of the Kumbh Mela.

The two previous shahi snaans were on Makar Sankranti on January 15 and Mauni Amawasya on February 4. And the third fell on Basant Panchami, which heralds the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

According to Mela administration, 14.94 crore devotees have visited the Kumbh so far.

Police are using gas balloons as an indicator for the public to locate the lost and found centres run by them.

The Kumbh Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti and Mahashivratri on March 4 will mark its culmination.

Hours before sunrise, lakhs of devotees had already taken a dip in Sangam on Basant Panchami the third and final shahi snaan during the Kumbh. Many were seen carrying the holy water of the Ganges, a sense of satisfaction reflected on their faces.

Hours before sunrise, lakhs of devotees had already taken a dip in Sangam on Basant Panchami the third and final shahi snaan during the Kumbh. Many were seen carrying the holy water of the Ganges, a sense of satisfaction reflected on their faces. Even before 2 am, a number of devotees were seen taking the exit route from the Mela area and searching for a mode of transport to reach their respective destinations. It was 1.45 am, and Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Banda, was heading home. "The main reason to take the (holy) dip early was that I will get ample amount of time to reach home. The crowd was relatively less and hence there were no problems," he said. Deepak Kumar, who runs a cafe and is a resident of Fatehpur district, said, "I took the dip at around 1.00 am. I now have time to explore the city. Apart from this, it also helps me in returning home in time." The devotees appeared excited and the cold breeze sweeping the Sangam area could not deter their spirit. Chants of 'Har Har Gangey' and 'Jai Ganga Maiyya' filled the air around the venue. Visitors were also seen clicking selfies at various locations in the Mela area. As the number of visitors began increasing, police officials issued instructions to them to take a specific exit route. "Close to 50 lakh devotees had already taken dip before sunrise," Kumbh Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand told PTI. Siddh Pratap Singh Baghel, who came from Katni in Madhya Pradesh along with his friends Pramod Chaurasia and Brijesh Kumar Pandey, said, "Initially when we went to take a dip, the rush was relatively less. However, as soon as we came out, the number of devotees started increasing." On their way back home, the three carried the holy Ganga water with them. Residents of Bhadohi, Dharmendra Vishwakarma and his wife Malti Devi took the holy dip at around 12.30 am and were seen leaving the Mela venue before 2.00 am. Dharmendra Vishwakarma said, "People had started taking a dip at around 12.30 am, and we were able to reach there in time. As we were leaving the ghat, we noticed the number of devotees reaching there increasing." Malti Devi said she wanted to reach home early and hence wanted to take an early dip. Shahi snaan at Sangam the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati is a central highlight of the Kumbh Mela. The two previous shahi snaans were on Makar Sankranti on January 15 and Mauni Amawasya on February 4. And the third fell on Basant Panchami, which heralds the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. According to Mela administration, 14.94 crore devotees have visited the Kumbh so far. Police are using gas balloons as an indicator for the public to locate the lost and found centres run by them. The Kumbh Mela commenced on January 15 on Makar Sankranti and Mahashivratri on March 4 will mark its culmination.

Devotees prefer early-morning dip at Kumbh to avoid rush, reach back home in time

All about Basant Panchami - the festival of spring

Pakistan&nbsp;Punjab government's decision to celebrate the Basant festival has been challenged in the Lahore High Court.

The&nbsp;plea, by Advocate Safdar Shahin Pirzada, argues the celebrations will cost innocent lives and that the government lifted the ban on festivities in order to deflect public attention from more pressing issues, Express Tribune reported.

The&nbsp;Punjab government on December 18&nbsp;announced its decision to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lifts-ban-from-basant-festival-185292"> lift the ban on Basant celebrations</a> in the state.

Basant&nbsp;usually celebrated in January end or the beginning of February marks the start of the spring festival.

Before the imposition of the ban in 2005, thousands of people would pour out on the streets of Lahore and elsewhere in Punjab to celebrate the occasion, the highpoint of which would be dancing and kite flying. Religious leaders argued kite-flying was un-Islamic.

The&nbsp;petitioner also stated that celebrations were banned by the Supreme Court after revellers died of celebratory gunshots, falling off rooftops or by kite strings slitting their throats.

"This festival might cause loss of more innocent lives if it is celebrated," Pirzada said."Permitting such a festivity that causes loss of lives is a sheer violation of the Constitution," Pirzada added.

A&nbsp;member of the Punjab Assembly, from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Hina Pervez Butt, also urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take&nbsp;Suo&nbsp;moto&nbsp;notice in the case. Butt submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat contending a contempt of court.

Pakistan Punjab government's decision to celebrate the Basant festival has been challenged in the Lahore High Court. The plea, by Advocate Safdar Shahin Pirzada, argues the celebrations will cost innocent lives and that the government lifted the ban on festivities in order to deflect public attention from more pressing issues, Express Tribune reported.

Pakistan Punjab government's decision to celebrate the Basant festival has been challenged in the Lahore High Court. The plea, by Advocate Safdar Shahin Pirzada, argues the celebrations will cost innocent lives and that the government lifted the ban on festivities in order to deflect public attention from more pressing issues, Express Tribune reported. The Punjab government on December 18 announced its decision to lift the ban on Basant celebrations in the state. Basant usually celebrated in January end or the beginning of February marks the start of the spring festival. Before the imposition of the ban in 2005, thousands of people would pour out on the streets of Lahore and elsewhere in Punjab to celebrate the occasion, the highpoint of which would be dancing and kite flying. Religious leaders argued kite-flying was un-Islamic. The petitioner also stated that celebrations were banned by the Supreme Court after revellers died of celebratory gunshots, falling off rooftops or by kite strings slitting their throats. "This festival might cause loss of more innocent lives if it is celebrated," Pirzada said."Permitting such a festivity that causes loss of lives is a sheer violation of the Constitution," Pirzada added. A member of the Punjab Assembly, from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Hina Pervez Butt, also urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take Suo moto notice in the case. Butt submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat contending a contempt of court.

Pakistan: Petition filed against Basant celebrations in Lahore High Court

The Pakistani province of Punjab will be celebrating Basant in the second week of February next year, as the Punjab government here has given permission to celebrate the festival.

The festival was banned by the Supreme Court in 2005.

"This historical cultural festival of Lahore will be revived, and InshaAllah we will celebrate Basant in the second week of February," The News International quoted Punjab's Minister for Information and Culture Fayyazul Hassan Chohan as saying.

The ban was imposed after citizens lost their lives across the province due to recurring mishaps during the festival including the sharp strings which slit the throats of the victims, the death of civilians due to celebratory gunshots being fired and fatal falls from rooftops.

The festivities will be strictly monitored to prevent the mishaps from occurring when the festival is revived next year.

The Pakistani province of Punjab will be celebrating Basant in the second week of February next year, as the Punjab government here has given permission to celebrate the festival.

The Pakistani province of Punjab will be celebrating Basant in the second week of February next year, as the Punjab government here has given permission to celebrate the festival. The festival was banned by the Supreme Court in 2005. "This historical cultural festival of Lahore will be revived, and InshaAllah we will celebrate Basant in the second week of February," The News International quoted Punjab's Minister for Information and Culture Fayyazul Hassan Chohan as saying. The ban was imposed after citizens lost their lives across the province due to recurring mishaps during the festival including the sharp strings which slit the throats of the victims, the death of civilians due to celebratory gunshots being fired and fatal falls from rooftops. The festivities will be strictly monitored to prevent the mishaps from occurring when the festival is revived next year.

Pakistan lifts ban from Basant festival

According to Hindu calendar, Vasant Panchami also spelt as Basant Panchami is described as the spring festival.

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Although the festival is celebrated all across the nation, northern India dedicates the day to the Hindu goddess of learning and music, Saraswati.&nbsp;

The festival typically falls in January as per the Gregorian calendar.&nbsp;

As the Hindu community celebrates Basant Panchami all across the world, we bring to you top facts about the festival.&nbsp;

1. Alternatively known as Shree Panchami, the festival is also celebrated in Sufi shrines and is know as Sufi Basant.&nbsp;

2. The festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the Magha month of the Hindu calendar.&nbsp;

3. As the name suggests, the festival stands for the fifth day (Panchami) of the spring season (Vasant).&nbsp;

4. In Indonesia, the festival is celebrated as &#39;Hari Raya Saraswat&#39;.&nbsp;

5. The festival is also seen as a day dedicated to the Hindu deity of love, Kamadeva, his wife Rati and his friend Basant.&nbsp;

6. Parts of India worship goddess Saraswati and pray for intelligence, intellect and knowledge.&nbsp;

7. The colour yellow signifies the festival and therefore people wear yellow-coloured garments to celebrate the day. Sweets are distributed and people decorate their homes with yellow flowers.&nbsp;

8. Kite flying is a common practice during the festival. Many regions host kite-flying competitions.&nbsp;

9. Interestingly, there is always a 40-day long gap between Basant Panchami and Holi.&nbsp;

10. As per Hindu mythology, Kamadeva&#39;s wife performed penance for 40 days to bring her husband to life after he was turned to ashes for shooting Lord Shiva&#39;s eyes with his love arrows.&nbsp;

The festival typically falls in January as per the Gregorian calendar.

According to Hindu calendar, Vasant Panchami also spelt as Basant Panchami is described as the spring festival. × Although the festival is celebrated all across the nation, northern India dedicates the day to the Hindu goddess of learning and music, Saraswati. The festival typically falls in January as per the Gregorian calendar. As the Hindu community celebrates Basant Panchami all across the world, we bring to you top facts about the festival. 1. Alternatively known as Shree Panchami, the festival is also celebrated in Sufi shrines and is know as Sufi Basant. 2. The festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the Magha month of the Hindu calendar. 3. As the name suggests, the festival stands for the fifth day (Panchami) of the spring season (Vasant). 4. In Indonesia, the festival is celebrated as 'Hari Raya Saraswat'. 5. The festival is also seen as a day dedicated to the Hindu deity of love, Kamadeva, his wife Rati and his friend Basant. 6. Parts of India worship goddess Saraswati and pray for intelligence, intellect and knowledge. 7. The colour yellow signifies the festival and therefore people wear yellow-coloured garments to celebrate the day. Sweets are distributed and people decorate their homes with yellow flowers. 8. Kite flying is a common practice during the festival. Many regions host kite-flying competitions. 9. Interestingly, there is always a 40-day long gap between Basant Panchami and Holi. 10. As per Hindu mythology, Kamadeva's wife performed penance for 40 days to bring her husband to life after he was turned to ashes for shooting Lord Shiva's eyes with his love arrows.

Basant Panchami 2018: 10 facts about the Hindu spring festival

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