Rang Panchami (literally colour on the fifth) is a spring festival celebrated in Indian states- Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and other parts of Northern India. In accordance with Hindu lunar calendar, this festival would be observed the fifth day of the Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the moon during the month of Phalguna.This day for the festival of colour is more prevalent in the central Indians state of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and some parts of North India. People celebrate by throwing fragrant red powder (gulal) and splashing coloured water, etc. on others. In other parts of India, the festival of colors is celebrated on the full moon day named Holi, approximately 5 days before. Recently, the media portrayal, especially Bollywood depiction of the festival of colors during Holi festivities has changed the trend as many people in the cities preferring to celebrate Holi rather than Ranga panchami. Rural areas however still celebrate it on the fifth with a gusto.

Rang Panchami has highly religious significance for the Hindus and is considered to be an important ritual. Holika Dahan puja done a day before Holi is associated with lilting a huge fire. The fire which is lit during Holi purifies all the rajasic as well as tamasic particles that are present in the atmosphere. It creates a pure aura in the surroundings and fills the atmosphere with tremendous positiveness which helps activate various Deities in the form of colors. Hence, Rang Panchami is a celebration to express the bliss of the purification. Thus, Rang Panchami is a symbol of victory over Rajas and tamas and respects the ‘Panch Tattva’ which builds up the universe (earth, light, water, sky and wind). It is believed that the human body is also made of the five elements. The festival of Rang Panchami invokes these five basic elements which help to restore balance in life. Rang Panchami is intrinsically a sign of triumph over raja-tama and is an invitation to divinities. The veneration on the day of Rang Panchami are carried out to revere the incarnated forms of god-heads with a special set of ceremonial rituals.

There is another perspective to Rang Panchami celebrations. The main objective of to celebrate Rang Panchami festival is to activate the ‘Panch Tatva’ or the five elements that build up the universe. These five elements are earth, light, water, sky and wind. It is believed that the human body is also made of the five elements. The festival of Rang Panchami invokes these five basic elements which help to restore balance in life.