Basanta Panchami

The Basanta Panchami and Saraswati Puja festivals are held in January. Basanta (or Spring) heralds one of the lovliest seasons in Nepal. Crowds gather in Kathmandu's Durbar Square as a band plays the song of spring and dignitaries welcome the new season

Saraswati Puja

At Swayambhu and at the Nil Barahi Shrine near Lazimpat in Kathmandu, a different celebration is held in which Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning, is worshipped at her temples. Artists, musicians, teachers and students bring offerings to her.