Basant Panchami 2026 Date and Time: Saraswati Puja Muhurat, Tithi and Significance Explained

Basant Panchami, a festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, will be observed on January 23, 2026. Celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Magh, the festival marks the onset of spring and is considered highly auspicious for learning, wisdom, creativity, and new beginnings.

The day holds special meaning for students, teachers, artists, musicians, and scholars, as Goddess Saraswati is revered as the embodiment of knowledge, intellect, music, arts, and science. Basant Panchami is also known as Saraswati Puja or Shri Panchami in different parts of the country.

Basant Panchami 2026: Date and Panchami Tithi Timing

In 2026, Basant Panchami will be celebrated on Friday, January 23.

• Panchami Tithi begins: 2:28 am on January 23, 2026
• Panchami Tithi ends: 1:46 am on January 24, 2026

As the Panchami Tithi prevails throughout the day, devotees can comfortably perform Saraswati Puja on January 23.

Saraswati Puja Muhurat on Basant Panchami 2026

The most auspicious time to worship Goddess Saraswati on Basant Panchami is during the morning to midday hours.

• Saraswati Puja Muhurat: 7:15 am to 12:50 pm

Performing the puja during this time is believed to enhance wisdom, concentration, creativity, and academic success.

Importance of Basant Panchami in Hindu Tradition

Basant Panchami symbolises the gentle transition from winter to spring—a season associated with renewal, growth, and positivity. Fields of mustard flowers bloom across northern India, lending the festival its signature yellow colour, which represents prosperity, knowledge, and energy.

According to religious beliefs, Goddess Saraswati manifested on the fifth day of Magh Shukla Paksha, which is why the day is also regarded as her appearance day. Devotees dress in yellow, offer yellow flowers and sweets, and place books, musical instruments, and study materials near the idol of the goddess.

An Auspicious Day for New Beginnings

Basant Panchami is considered an Abujh Muhurat, meaning no separate muhurat is required to perform auspicious activities. On this day, people traditionally begin:

• Formal education for children (Vidyarambh)
• New business ventures
• Writing, reading, and creative pursuits
• Mundan (first haircut) and Annaprashan ceremonies
• Griha Pravesh (housewarming rituals)

In some regions, the day is also associated with Madnotsav and marks the beginning of Ratikaam Mahotsav, celebrating joy, creativity, and life.

Cultural Observance Across India

While Saraswati Puja is widely celebrated in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh, Basant Panchami also holds importance in Sikh traditions, where it commemorates Maharaja Ranjit Singh and seasonal festivities.

Final Note

Basant Panchami is more than just a festival—it is a reminder of the importance of learning, discipline, creativity, and inner growth. Worshipping Goddess Saraswati on this day is believed to bring clarity of thought, academic progress, and lifelong wisdom.