Basant Panchami 2026 Date, Time: Jan 23 or 24; When is Saraswati Puja? Shubh Muhurat, Panchami Tithi, Colour

Basant Panchami, the Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, will be observed this week, marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of a season associated with learning, creativity and spiritual renewal. The festival is widely celebrated across India in homes, temples, schools and cultural institutions.

Basant Panchami 2026 Date: January 23 or 24? When is Saraswati Puja in 2026; Check Date, Time, Shubh Muhurat, Panchang Tithi

There had been some confusion among devotees regarding whether Basant Panchami should fall on January 23 or January 24. However, astrologers and priests have clarified that the festival will be celebrated on January 23 based on the principle of Udaya Tithi, which gives precedence to the lunar date prevailing at sunrise.

Basant Panchami 2026 Date, Time: Saraswati Puja Shubh Muhurat in Panchami Tithi As Per Panchang And Hindu Calendar

According to the Hindu Panchang, Panchami Tithi starts at 2:28 am on January 23, 2026, and ends at 1:46 am on January 24, 2026. Because the Udaya Tithi falls on January 23, Basant Panchami 2026 will be observed on that Friday. Priests describe this tithi as one of the year's most favourable periods.

Basant Panchami is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, during which many people perform ceremonies without the need for a separate muhurat. For Saraswati Puja, the most favourable time window on Basant Panchami 2026 will be between 7:15 am and 12:50 pm.

Devotees who are unable to perform the puja during this period are advised to worship for about two and a half hours after sunrise or again for two and a half hours after sunset, maintaining a calm and focused state of mind.

Saraswati Puja 2026 Panchami Tithi Muhurat, Timings

• Panchami Tithi will begin on 23 January 2026 2:28 am
• Panchami Tithi will end on 24 January 2026 1:46 am
• Saraswati Puja shubh muhurat will fall on 23 January 2026 7:15 am to 12:50 pm
• For Basant Panchami 2026, the prime window for Saraswati Puja is between 7:15 am and 12:50 pm.

Why Basant Panchami Is Considered Auspicious

Basant Panchami is regarded as highly auspicious for new beginnings, including weddings, house construction, business ventures and the start of educational pursuits. Students, artists, and professionals often choose this day to begin studies, creative projects or examinations, believing that worshipping Goddess Saraswati brings long-term success and mental clarity.

The festival symbolises the shift from winter to spring, reflecting renewal, optimism and growth. It also highlights the importance of knowledge, discipline, and artistic expression in everyday life.

Spiritual Significance of Goddess Saraswati

In Hindu tradition, Goddess Saraswati is revered as the deity of knowledge, learning, speech, music and art. Scriptures describe her as the consort of Lord Brahma, assisting in the creation of the universe through wisdom and consciousness.

Her iconography carries deep meaning. Goddess Saraswati is depicted with four hands, holding the Vedas, a veena, a white lotus, and a rosary. These elements symbolise wisdom, creativity, purity and disciplined learning. Together, they guide devotees towards balanced intellectual and spiritual growth.

Yellow Colour on Basant Panchami; Colour To Wear on Saraswati Puja

Traditional guidance suggests wearing yellow, light yellow, or white clothes during the puja while avoiding black or bright red. The colour yellow dominates Basant Panchami celebrations due to its seasonal and spiritual significance. As spring arrives, mustard fields bloom across many regions, transforming landscapes into shades of gold.

On Basant Panchami, devotees traditionally wear yellow clothes and decorate homes and temples with marigold garlands and yellow flowers. Families prepare yellow-coloured dishes such as saffron rice, turmeric-flavoured sweets, and fruits as offerings during Saraswati Puja.

Astrologers also associate yellow with Guru Brihaspati (Jupiter), the planet linked to wisdom, education, and prosperity. This planetary connection further strengthens yellow's association with Goddess Saraswati and the pursuit of knowledge.

Saraswati Vandana: Puja Vidhi and Remedies

Devotees are advised to face east or north during worship and offer white sandalwood, white and yellow flowers and sweets such as mishri, curd and saffron kheer as prasad.

During the puja, devotees often chant the mantra, believing that sincere prayer on Basant Panchami invites the Goddess's blessings for a lifetime. Many households place books, musical instruments and tools used for learning in the puja area to symbolically dedicate their talents to Saraswati.

Astrological traditions also recommend specific remedies. For a weak Mercury (Budh), green fruits are offered to the Goddess. For a weak Jupiter (Guru), yellow flowers and fruits are suggested, while white flowers are offered when Venus (Shukra) is believed to be weak.