How are Basant Panchami Celebrations Related to Yellow Colour?

Basant Panchami is one of the most vibrant and celebrated Indian festivals. The festival marks the end of the winter season and the coming of springtime. Also known as Saraswati Pooja, the festival honours Maa Saraswati who is the goddess of knowledge, art and music. But have you ever wondered why every celebration of this festival is smeared in yellow? Keep reading to understand the significance of the colour.

The Central Idea

On this day, the sun is Uttarayan and the yellow light spreads happiness and gives a message to all to shine bright in life like the Sun. Hence, the colour yellow is the colour of Basant Panchmi.

Growth of Spring Flowers

Marigold, night jasmine, yellow lilies, daffodils, yellow Hyacinth and Forsythia shrubs are among the many yellow spring or Basant flowers that bloom during this time. This is among the key reasons for yellow being the colour of Basant Panchami. The festival is also celebrated to enjoy the ripe mustard crop dancing in fields with its lovely yellow flowers. These yellow flowers are offered to Maa Saraswati.

Signifies Knowledge and Learning

It is a belief in Hindu culture that the yellow colour signifies knowledge, learning and happiness. Therefore, people wear yellow clothes, use yellow colour, put a turmeric tilak on their forehead, eat yellow-coloured food and snacks such as saffron rice, halwa, Boondi ke ladoo and khichdi.

Favourite Colour of Goddess Saraswati

It is said that Maa Saraswati’s favourite colour is yellow. Therefore, her idols are clad in traditional yellow clothing, accessories and flowers to honour her. People celebrate and attend Saraswati Puja all dressed in yellow clothes on Basant Panchami. Even the offerings that are offered to Goddess Saraswati are yellow in colour.