By Garima Johar
January 22, 2026
Welcoming the bloom of sarson ke khat and the spring season, Basant Panchami, or Saraswati Puja, is celebrated with all things yellow. Here are some traditional yellow dishes made for the festival.
Meethe chawal or saffron rice is a traditional Punjabi dish that’s made in almost every Indian household.
For a Basant Panchami-special meal, you can make the rich besan curry with pakoras and pair it with rice.
Basant Panchami will not be complete without a glass of haldi vala doodh.
Phirni is a vibrant yellow rice pudding served with a sprinkle of saffron and dry fruits.
The yellow-coloured ladoos are also a traditional bhog offered to Goddess Saraswati for Basant Panchami.