Vasant Panchami 2026: Date, Saraswati Puja Muhurat & Significance
Vasant Panchami 2026: Date, Saraswati Puja Muhurat & Complete Vidhi
Vasant Panchami 2026 (also known as Basant Panchami or Saraswati Puja) is one of the most vibrant festivals in the Hindu calendar, marking the arrival of the spring season—the “King of all Seasons.” Celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami Tithi) of the bright half of the Magha month, this day is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of knowledge, music, arts, and wisdom.
In 2026, Vasant Panchami falls on Friday, January 23rd. It is an Abujha Muhurat, meaning the entire day is auspicious for starting new ventures, marriages, and Saraswati Puja.
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Vasant Panchami 2026 Date & Auspicious Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, the specific timings for New Delhi (IST) are as follows:
| Event | Date & Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Vasant Panchami Date | January 23, 2026 (Friday) |
| Saraswati Puja Muhurat | 07:14 AM to 12:35 PM |
| Duration | 5 Hours 21 Mins |
| Panchami Tithi Begins | 03:12 AM on Jan 23, 2026 |
| Panchami Tithi Ends | 12:55 AM on Jan 24, 2026 |
*Note: Timings are based on New Delhi IST. Please consult your local Panchang or Ask a SmartPuja Astrologer for exact city-wise timings.
Significance of Vasant Panchami: Why Do We Celebrate?
Vasant Panchami is not just a seasonal change; it holds deep spiritual and historical significance.
1. The Birth of Goddess Saraswati
According to Hindu mythology, after Lord Brahma created the universe, he found it silent and chaotic. He sprinkled water from his Kamandalu, and a divine figure appeared holding a Veena, Book, and Rosary. She played the Veena, filling the universe with sound and wisdom. Lord Brahma named her Saraswati (the Goddess of Speech). Since she was born on this day, devotees perform Saraswati Puja to seek her blessings for intelligence and creativity.
2. The Legend of Kamadeva and Rati
Another legend states that Lord Shiva was in deep meditation after the passing of Sati. To wake him up and save the world from the demon Tarakasura, Kamadeva (God of Love) shot an arrow of flowers at Shiva. This day is celebrated as the day love returned to the universe, and in many parts of India, Kamadeva and his wife Rati are worshipped.
3. The Significance of Yellow (Basanti)
Yellow is the color of the day. It represents the ripening mustard crops in the fields of North India, symbolizing prosperity. Scientifically, yellow stimulates the brain and encourages learning. Devotees wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers (marigold), and prepare yellow sweets like Kesari Bhaat, Sweet Rice, or Boondi Laddoos.
How to Perform Saraswati Puja at Home? (Vidhi)
Performing Saraswati Puja at home brings positive energy and focus to students. Here is a simple Vedic procedure:
- Sankalp (Vow): Wake up before sunrise, take a bath (add neem or turmeric to the water), and wear yellow or white clothes.
- Kalash Sthapana: Place a Kalash (copper pot) filled with water and mango leaves on a clean altar. Place the idol or photo of Goddess Saraswati.
- Offerings to the Goddess:
- Flowers: Offer yellow marigolds, chrysanthemums, or white lotus.
- Naivedyam: Offer Ber (Jujube fruit), yellow rice, saffron sweets, and curd.
- Tools of Knowledge: Place school books, pens, ink, and musical instruments near the idol. This is crucial for students.
- Aksharabhyasam (Vidyarambham): For toddlers (ages 2-5), this is the most auspicious day to write their first letter. Parents hold the child’s hand and write “Om” or the first alphabet on a plate of rice.
- Mantra Chanting & Aarti: Chant the mantras below and conclude with the Saraswati Aarti.
📖 Powerful Saraswati Mantras for Students
Saraswati Vandana:
“Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala, Ya Shubhra Vastravrita
Ya Veena Varadanda Manditakara, Ya Shvetapadmasana”
Beej Mantra for Focus:
“Om Aim Hreem Kleem Maha Saraswati Devaya Namaha”
Vasant Panchami Celebrations Across India
- West Bengal (Saraswati Puja): In Bengal, this is as big as Durga Puja. Pandals are set up, and women wear yellow sarees (Basanti saree). It is also a day for “Hate Khori” (initiation of writing).
- Punjab (Basant Festival): Known for kite flying! People fly yellow kites, and the sky becomes a canvas of colors.
- South India (Sri Panchami): In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Sri Panchami. It is a major day for Aksharabhyasam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Vasant Panchami falls on Friday, January 23, 2026. The auspicious Panchami Tithi begins at 03:12 AM on Jan 23 and ends at 12:55 AM on Jan 24.
There are multiple shubh muhurats during this auspicious day. Please check with SmartPuja team for details.
Yellow symbolizes the brilliance of nature (mustard fields) and wisdom. It is Goddess Saraswati’s favorite color, representing light, knowledge, and energy.
Yes, Vasant Panchami is an Abujha Muhurat. It is considered highly auspicious for weddings, Griha Pravesh, and starting new businesses without needing to consult a specific Muhurat.
Traditional yellow foods are prepared, such as Kesari Bhaat, Sweet Saffron Rice, Boondi Laddoos, and Khichdi. Offering Ber (Jujube) fruit to the Goddess is also a tradition in Eastern India.
