Basant Panchami 2026: When is Saraswati Puja? Date, significance, shubh muhurat and puja vidhi
Basant Panchami, also called Vasant Panchami or Shri Panchami, is a bright and joyful festival celebrated across India. It marks the arrival of spring and falls on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha. In 2026, Basant Panchami will be celebrated on January 23. The day is mainly dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom.
Significance of Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season and is devoted to Goddess Saraswati. People pray to her for wisdom, learning, and creativity. Students, teachers, artists, and musicians especially worship the goddess to seek success in their studies and creative work. The festival has deep cultural and religious importance. It is believed that Goddess Saraswati was born on this day. Schools, colleges, and temples hold special prayers and cultural events. Many students begin new learning activities after taking blessings on this day.
Basant Panchami also welcomes Basant Ritu (spring season). Wearing yellow clothes is considered auspicious, as yellow symbolises energy and prosperity. People prepare traditional sweets like Kesari Halwa and Boondi Ladoo. In North India, flying kites is a popular tradition, while in Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Saraswati Puja is celebrated with great devotion.
Basant Panchami 2026: Date and Auspicious Time
According to the Hindu Panchang, Magh Shukla Panchami Tithi will begin at 2:28 AM on Friday, January 23, 2026, and will end at 1:46 AM on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Since Panchami Tithi will be present at sunrise on January 23, Basant Panchami will be celebrated on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Sunrise on this day is expected around 7:15 AM, while Shashthi Tithi will start at sunrise on January 24.
The most auspicious time to perform Saraswati Puja is during Abhijit Muhurta, from 11:50 AM to 12:40 PM. Amrit Kaal is also considered highly favourable for worship.
Saraswati Puja Samagri (Items Needed)
- Idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati
- Yellow clothes and flowers like marigold and chrysanthemum
- Fruits such as bananas and apples
- Sweets like kesar bhaat and boondi ladoo
- Incense sticks, lamp (diya), and ghee
- Turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste
- Books, notebooks, and musical instruments
How to Worship Goddess Saraswati
For Saraswati Puja, it is advised to wear yellow, white, or light-coloured clothes and avoid black or red attire. Sit facing east or north while performing the puja, as it is believed to create a positive and peaceful environment.
The best time for worship is either 2.5 hours before sunrise or 2.5 hours before sunset, as these periods are considered spiritually powerful.
Offer white sandalwood paste, along with yellow and white flowers, using your right hand as a sign of devotion. For prasadam, you can prepare a mixture of misri, curd, and lawa, or offer kesar kheer, which is believed to be the most auspicious offering to seek blessings for knowledge, learning, and wisdom.