The name Vasant Panchami finds its origin in Sanskrit literature as it underscores the festival's cultural significance and timing of celebration. Vasant translates to ‘spring’, and Panchami refers to the ‘fifth day’. Celebrating the onset of spring on the bright fortnight of the fifth day of the month Magha, as per the Lunar calendar, is how the festival got its name. The festival is called with various synonymous names like Saraswati Puja or Sai Panchami, according to the region it is celebrated in. 

As the legend goes, Vasant Panchami finds its significance deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly to Goddess Saraswati. Known as the goddess of knowledge, creativity, arts and wisdom, it is believed that Goddess Saraswati was born on this day and began her journey to bring knowledge and wisdom into the world. Due to this, it is highly considered a ritual to start new endeavours in the realms of education and creativity on this day. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Saraswati blesses her followers with the abundant gifts of knowledge and arts.

The festival marks the transition from winter to spring, as most parts of the country spell the welcome of warmer days and blooming flowers, particularly as the mustard fields bloom into a vivid yellow. As a colour significant to Vasant Panchami, yellow symbolises the vitality and prosperity of the forthcoming season. Devotees adorn themselves in the hues of yellow as they offer genda phool or marigold and sarson ke beej or mustard seeds to Goddess Saraswati while seeking blessings for wisdom and creativity. 

Vasant Panchami sees an array of celebrations throughout India as each region across the subcontinent celebrates it with its own local flavour and customs. In Northern India, particularly the state of Punjab, known for agriculture being their way of life and income, Vasant Panchami coincides with the flowering of mustard fields as they add a yellow hue to the barren winter fields. The people celebrate the changing landscape by flying kites and indulging in traditional delicacies such as Khichuri and Kesar Halwa. As West Bengal and Tripura have their foundation laid in having strong roots of knowledge and education, this day is famously celebrated as Saraswati Puja. Educational institutions organise special prayers and rituals to honour the goddess of learning. Institutions mark this day as a holiday to pay their respect as students place their books and musical instruments near Goddess Saraswati’s idol, seeking her blessings for abundant knowledge and artistic inspiration. 

The rituals performed on Vasant Panchami are symbolic to its history of existence and the nature of the celebration. They include offering yellow flowers, wearing yellow clothes and yellow delicacies like Kesari Bhaat, Moong dal Halwa, Kesar Kheer and Boondi laddoos amongst others, are prepared in every home. Most parts of the country indulge in a ritual called ‘Vidya Arambh’ that is a ceremonial introduction of young children to learning. It is also called Aksar Abhyasam or Haate Khori in certain regions. This is usually performed on children aged between two and five as they partake in the ritual on their parent's laps. They are guided to write letters, usually on a spread of rice with a gold ring or stick, as the family and community gather around to chant hymns. 

Vasant Panchami also serves as a precursor to Holi, with its preparations beginning on this day. Places like Vrindavan and Mathura that are the flag bearers of lavishly celebrating Holi, indulge in the festivities of Vasant Panchami by decorating temples with marigold flowers and starting Holi celebrations by throwing colours on each other as they engage in devotional songs and dances. 

The festival not only celebrates the seasonal cycle but also is an ode to the cultural heritage of India, fostering a sense of community and shared celebrations for knowledge, creativity and the glory that nature beholds. 

As the country comes together to celebrate the vibrant occasion of Vasant Panchami, everyone is draped in a tapestry of yellow and saffron hues, embodying the blooming of the mustard fields and the golden warmth of the sun. 

In Northern India, as the chill of winter begins to thaw, women often opt for bright yellow sarees decorated with intricate silver threadwork. The colour yellow signifies prosperity and learning in Hindu philosophy and is particularly seen taking centre stage as we celebrate this festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The sarees adorned are usually meticulously handcrafted Banarasi Silk sarees, boasting rich craftsmanship dating back to the Mughal era. In the verdant landscapes of Bengal and Odisha, women celebrate Saraswati puja by donning Basanti or light yellow handwoven sarees. These sarees are usually made from Tant cotton as they are extremely light and breathable to suit the region's subtropical climate. Usually bordered with red or maroon, the sarees symbolise creativity and passion. Young unmarried girls, as they step into the threshold of their educational journey, are seen wearing simple weaved sarees, signifying their nascent stage in life and learning. South India sees a slightly different palette; women wear bright yellow sarees with green borders, usually made of rich and lustrous Mysore silk, an attire that stands as reflection of the harvest-ready crops and lush landscapes. 

Across these diverse regions, the stage of life a woman is at also influences her choice of attire. Young girls usually are seen wearing simpler salwar kameez or vibrant dresses as they enter the world of formal learning. Married women who stand as a symbol of stability and the nurturing of families, are seen donned in intricately handwoven silk sarees with gold and coloured accents. Elderly women usually opt for the most traditionally designed sarees with heritage motifs that recount their cultural stories and legacies. 

As Punjab rejoices in the celebration of Vasant Panchami with kite flying, men are seen wearing bright yellow kurtas and turbans as they celebrate the joy around them. The turban, apart from its cultural significance is known to act as a symbol of honour and respect in the Sikh community. The men of West Bengal and Bihar are usually clad in lighter kurtas and dhotis made from cotton weaves, showcasing the diverse cultural expressions seen across different Indian festivals.