Basant celebration in Amritsar is an ageless tradition

In Punjab, Basant marks more than just the arrival of spring—it is a festival rich with cultural and spiritual significance. As the winter chill fades, the region embraces Basant with a harmonious blend of faith, tradition and optimism for the season ahead.

The skies are filled with kites of all shapes and sizes, while rooftops bustle with people, music and festive energy. Gurudwaras open their doors to hundreds of devotees, who gather for a holy dip as part of their spiritual observance. While Basant is celebrated by people of all faiths, the festival’s traditions transcend religious boundaries. It is a time when everyone wears yellow, savours saffron-infused sweets and partakes in kite flying and the celebration of the new harvest.

The day is defined by the vibrant colour yellow. People dress in yellow, offer laddoos and jalebis at temples and share these delicacies with others. Homes and shops are adorned with yellow marigolds, and crowds flock to gurudwaras for the holy dip, to listen to Basant kirtan, and to perform sewa. Traditional foods such as sarson da saag, makki di roti and saffron rice are prepared in most households, continuing an age-old culinary tradition.

Cheherhta Saheb Gurudwara, a key site for the Basant Mela, sees hundreds of visitors each year. The gurudwara grounds are beautifully decorated with flowers, creating a festive atmosphere. Families from across Punjab and beyond come to enjoy swings, food stalls, and the lively ambience. At the Golden Temple, a special Basant Raag kirtan is performed to mark the occasion, drawing crowds to experience the sacred celebrations.

Kite flying, a central tradition of Basant, was more subdued this year due to overnight rain. Unlike the intense competitions seen in Lahore, kite flying in Amritsar is a more relaxed affair, mostly taking place on rooftops where families and friends gather to enjoy food, music and the simple joy of watching the kites soar.

Music also plays a key role in the celebration. Folk songs and the Basant Raag resonate throughout the city, adding to the festive spirit. Students from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Guru Nanak Dev University performed a heartfelt Basant Raag and kirtan, capturing the essence of spring and the renewal it brings—a fresh wave of hope, joy and awakening.