Basant Panchami is a vibrant and auspicious festival that marks the arrival of the autumnal spring, the season of renewal, learning and positivity. Celebrated with devotion and joy all over India, this festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, art and creativity. Basant Panchami is also known as Vasant Panchami or Shri Panchami and holds special significance for students, artists and scholars.
In 2026, Basant Panchami will be celebrated on January 23, the fifth day (Panchami Tithi) of the Hindu month Magha.
Auspicious time of Saraswati Puja
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According to Drik Panchang, the most favorable time to perform Saraswati Puja on Basant Panchami 2026 is:-
Pooja Muhurat: 7:14 am to 12:34 pm
date: 23 January 2026
Devotees are advised to perform puja during this period to get maximum blessings from Goddess Saraswati.
How to perform Saraswati puja at home?
According to Drik Panchang, Saraswati Puja can be performed at home with simple rituals and pure intentions. Here is how devotees usually perform the puja:
Wake up early in the morning and take bath to purify your body and mind.
Wear clean yellow or white clothes, which are considered auspicious for this day.
Students often observe a short fast until the puja is completed.
Houses are decorated with colorful rangoli made of marigold flowers and rice flour.
Books, musical instruments and study materials are kept near the idol or image of Goddess Saraswati.
After the puja, sweets and fruits are distributed among family members and neighbors as Prasad.
Religious significance of Basant Panchami
According to the Drik calendar, Basant Panchami marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, a season associated with growth, freshness and new beginnings. On this day, Goddess Saraswati is worshiped for wisdom, intelligence, creativity and learning.
Students pray for academic success, artists seek inspiration, and musicians pray for creative excellence. This festival encourages knowledge, discipline and spiritual development.
Traditions are followed all over India
According to Drik Panchang, different regions of India celebrate Basant Panchami in unique ways:
Wearing yellow clothes is the most prominent tradition, as yellow represents energy, wisdom and the spring harvest.
Special sweets like kesar halwa and boondi laddu are made.
Kite flying is popular in many parts of North India.
In West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, Saraswati Puja is celebrated with great devotion, especially in schools and colleges.
Important Puja Guidelines to Follow
According to Drik Panchang, to ensure proper puja, devotees are advised to keep the following points in mind:
Wear yellow, white or bright colored clothes during puja.
Avoid wearing black or red clothes on this day.
While worshiping, face east or north.
The time two and a half hours before sunrise or two and a half hours before sunset is considered very auspicious for worship.
Basant Panchami 2026 is not just a festival but a celebration of knowledge, creativity and new beginnings. By devotionally following Saraswati puja and following the correct rituals, devotees seek knowledge, success and clarity in life. As spring arrives, the festival reminds everyone to embrace learning, positivity and growth with a pure heart and hopeful spirit.
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