How Is Basant Panchami Celebrated in India? Know Date, Significance, Saraswati Puja Rituals and Muhurat

Basant Panchami is one of the most auspicious occasions in India. The celebration of Basant Panchami will take place on January 23, 2026, according to the Hindu calendar. The worship of Goddess Saraswati, who represents learning and creativity, is celebrated on Basant Panchami.

Meaning and Significance: 

Basant denotes ‘spring’ while Panchami is the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha, which falls in January or February. The event, which celebrates the arrival of spring and the heavenly manifestation of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music and the arts, takes place on the Panchami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. For students, artists, academics and anybody engaged in creative pursuits or education, the day is considered extremely fortunate.

Importance:

The day is known for Akshar Abhyasam or Vidya Arambham (also known as Praasana), a well-known ceremony in which youngsters are officially initiated into the world of education. Basant Panchami is a popular day for schools and universities to hold special pujas, seeking Goddess Saraswati’s blessings for knowledge, wisdom and success.

Date:  

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Panchami Tithi will start at 2:28 am on January 23, 2026 and will conclude at 1:46 am on January 24, 2026. Basant Panchami will be celebrated on January 23, 2026, in accordance with the Udaya Tithi (sunrise-based calculation).

The Significance of the Yellow Color:

On Basant Panchami, the color yellow has a particular meaning. During the puja, it is thought to be auspicious to dress in yellow, give yellow flowers and make yellow sweets. Yellow is a representation of optimism, knowledge and riches.

Muhurat: 

From 6:43 am to 12:15 pm is the best moment to carry out Saraswati Puja.

Saraswati Puja Rituals:

First, the temple is washed with Ganga water, then adorned in yellow clothing and then a statue or image of the Goddess is placed there. Then, devotees present yellow flowers such as marigolds, Akshata, white sandalwood, yellow roli, yellow gulal, yellow sweets. The worship consists of performing aartis, reciting mantras, lighting a lamp and singing Saraswati Vandana.

(Disclaimer: Given the input is on an information basis, please seek professional advice.)