When is Saraswati Puja? Check date, significance, shubh muhurat, vidhi, samagri and rituals
Basant Panchami, also referred to as Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Puja, is a significant Hindu festival that marks the onset of the spring season. Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, music, arts, science and technology, the festival is observed with devotion and cultural enthusiasm across India.
The word Basant represents spring, symbolising renewal and positivity, while Panchami denotes the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha. The festival usually falls in January or February and is especially important for students, teachers, artists and scholars.
Date and auspicious timings
According to Drik Panchang, Basant Panchami will be observed on Friday, January 23, 2026. Devotees perform Saraswati Puja during the most favourable period of the day. The Vasant Panchami Muhurat will be from 06:46 AM to 12:32 PM, lasting for 5 hours and 45 minutes. The Madhyahna Moment will occur at 12:32 PM.
The Panchami Tithi will begin at 02:28 AM on January 23, 2026 and conclude at 01:46 AM on January 24, 2026, making the daytime of January 23 ideal for the rituals.
Significance of Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is celebrated to honour Goddess Saraswati, believed to dispel ignorance, laziness and lack of clarity. Devotees seek her blessings to gain wisdom, creativity and intellectual growth. The festival holds special relevance for students, as it is considered an auspicious day to begin new academic pursuits.
One of the most important traditions observed on this day is Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham, also known as Praasana, where young children are formally initiated into learning. Educational institutions often organise special pujas to invoke divine blessings for success and knowledge.
Saraswati Puja rituals and samagri
On Basant Panchami, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath and wear yellow and white attire, colours associated with wisdom and prosperity. An idol or image of Goddess Saraswati is placed at the worship site, bathed with Ganga water and adorned in yellow clothing.
Offerings include yellow flowers such as marigolds, Akshat (unbroken rice), white sandalwood paste, yellow roli, yellow gulal, incense sticks and yellow sweets. The puja is performed by lighting a lamp, chanting mantras, singing Saraswati Vandana and conducting aarti.
Students place books, notebooks and stationery before the Goddess, while professionals keep office diaries and tools of their trade. Artists also worship their musical instruments and art tools, seeking inspiration and creative excellence on this sacred day.