Saraswati Puja 2026 Date: With the festival almost here, here’s all you need to know about Basant Panchami 2026
Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) 2026 Date in India: Saraswati Puja, also known as “Vasant Panchami”, is celebrated in honour of the Hindu goddess Saraswati, as her birth anniversary. The festival also marks the arrival of spring and is commemorated differently across the country. It is marked by kite flying in North India, while in states like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Saraswati Puja is observed.
Basant means ‘spring’, and Panchami is the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha (corresponding to January-February in the Gregorian calendar), on which the festival is held.
Saraswati Puja 2026: Date and Timings
In 2026, Vasant Panchami will be observed on January 23 and the Panchami Tithi begins at 2:28 AM on the same day and continues until 1:46 AM on 24 January.
The ideal time for performing Saraswati Puja, also known as the Vasant Panchami Muhurat, is from 7:13 AM to 12:33 PM, spanning a duration of 5 hours and 20 minutes, as per Drik Panchang.
Additionally, the midday moment, or Vasant Panchami Madhyahna Moment, is set for 12:33 PM.
Saraswati Puja 2026: History, Significance, and Celebrations
Among the many stories linked to Saraswati Puja, the most well known is that of poet Kalidasa.
According to the tale, Kalidasa was initially considered simple-minded and was deceived into marrying a princess who showed him no respect. Distressed by this, he contemplated ending his life.
However, before he could do so, Goddess Saraswati appeared to him and instructed him to bathe in a river.
Upon emerging from the water, he was transformed into a wise and learnt individual.
This story highlights why Goddess Saraswati is honoured as the deity of knowledge, wisdom, arts, music, and learning.