Basant Panchami, the Festival of Spring, is celebrated mainly in Haryana and Punjab, during February-March. It is celebrated at the end of winter to welcome spring. ‘Basant Ritu’ means the spring season in Hindi. During this season in Haryana the mustard fields are in full bloom, giving the impression of yellow carpets laid out on acres of land. People welcome this change of season by wearing yellow clothes, flying kites and having fun. A puja (prayer) is held in the house, teeka applied on the deity as well as everyone’s forehead.
