According to one of the famous beliefs, the origin of Basant Panchami festival lies in Aryan period. Aryans came and settled in India, crossing Saraswati River. There was lot of development at that time around the banks of Saraswati River. Hence, Saraswati River began to be associated with fertility and knowledge, and locals began to celebrate this festival. According to another mythology, Kalidasa married to beautiful princess through trickery. The princess once kicked him out of her bed after she learned that he was foolish. After this incident, Kalidasa decided to commit suicide. Goddess Saraswati emerged from the waters and asked him to take a dip in the Saraswati River. After taking dip in the river, Kalidasa became knowledgeable and started writing poetry. From then Basant Panchami is celebrated to adore Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of education and learning.
Basant Panchami is celebrated every year in the Magh month of Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the Magh month which generally falls on February/March of Gregorian calendar. During ancient days, Basant Panchami was celebrated in the royal palace of Kamadeva. West Bengal celebrates this festival as Saraswati Puja, Punjab and Bihar as festival of kites. It is celebrated in Nepal also.
Although the festival is dominated by the worshipping of goddess Saraswati, a grand feast is prepared to honor Kamadeva as well. It is auspicious to host weddings during the festival. On this day many toddlers start their education. Yellow color has a great significance in the celebration of Basant Panchami. It is the symbol of blossoming flowers of mustard. Hence goddess Saraswati followers wear yellow attire and prepare sweets which are yellow and saffron in color. Statues of Saraswati are decorated with yellow sari and jewellery in most of the educational institution and worshipped. In West Bengal, colorful processions are held to carry Saraswati idols and immerse it in the holy river Ganga. In Punjab, the festival is celebrated by flying colorful kites.