IAFA’s Winter Art Fiesta concluded with the celebration of Basant, titled “Lo Phir Basant Aayee…”

Amritsar, January 29 (Punjab Post Bureau) – Basant Panchami festival is celebrated on the fifth day of Magha. In ancient Indian literature, Vasant Panchami is associated with Shringara Rasam and the festival was celebrated in this tradition.  Celebrations today still honor Kamadeva, his wife Rati, and his friend Vasant (the personification of Spring).

IAFA’s Winter Art Fiesta concluded with the celebration of Basant, titled “Lo Phir Basant Aayee…” The two hour programme was a true blend of all faiths and religions. The programme started with Sikh martial art “Gatka” performed by girls suggesting women empowerment. A basant melody sung by Pakistani singers on Basant Raag followed ‘ Lo phir basant aayee, pholon pe rang layee’. Ramp walk by girls in sparkling colours, dance, music punctuated by meaniful commentary by Ms. Aanchal Arora marked the celebrations. All the performers were from Khalsa College for women. IAFA President S. Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina stressed upon the need to celebrate festivals to bring harmony in the society.  He took the opportunity to motivate intellectuals to cast their votes to elect an able and capable government. He appealed to the public to give him a chance to represent Amritsar in Lok Sabha.

IAFA General Secretary Dr. P.S Grover narrated the programmes presented under Winter art Fiesta. He expressed gratitude to the participating artists, public, press and organizers for making the event successful and cmeaningfull. Programme Convener Dr. A.S.Mahal dilated his views on the celebration of Basant. Dr. Mrs. Sukhbir Mahal Principal Khalsa College for Women and Guest of Honour passed a vote of thanks towards performing artists and audience. She applauded the efforts of IAFA to keep the Punjabi traditions and culture alive in the minds of new generation which might forgets amidst the rush of electronic media. Traditional Basant dishes were served like Dasanti yellow sweetened rice to create awareness of our heritage dishes. A big and elite audience cheered up the performing artists.  Basanti dressed Ladies, Children, Gents and couples had ramp walk while they were adjudged by the audience for the best dressed.

Vasant Panchami, also called Basant Panchami,  refers to the following festivals:

• the religiousHindu festival of Saraswati Puja also called Shree Panchami;
• Sufi Basant observed inSufi shrines;
• the seasonal spring festival of Vasant Panchami observed in many regions;
• theBasant Festival of Kites of the Punjab region;
• observance in Gurdwaras as aSikh festival;

the birthday of the Deo-Sun God in Bihar and a harvest festival