2026 Vasant Panchami
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Jan | Fri | Vasant Panchami | Haryana, Odisha, Punjab, Tripura & West Bengal |
2027 Vasant Panchami
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Feb | Thu | Vasant Panchami | Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Tripura & West Bengal |
2028 Vasant Panchami
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Jan | Mon | Vasant Panchami | Haryana, Odisha, Tripura & West Bengal |
Vasant Panchami 2026: Saraswati Puja & Spring Festival
Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami) celebrates spring arrival and Goddess Saraswati worship on Friday, January 23, 2026. Festival marks knowledge, arts, music & academic beginnings with yellow-themed celebrations.
📅 Festival Dates 2026
- Vasant Panchami: January 23, 2026 (Friday) – 5th day of Magha Shukla Paksha
- Saraswati Puja Muhurat: 07:15 AM to 12:50 PM (5h 36m duration)
- Panchami Tithi: Begins 02:28 AM Jan 23, ends 01:46 AM Jan 24
🌸 Significance & Traditions
Primary Deity & Themes
- Goddess Saraswati: Knowledge, wisdom, music, arts, speech
- Spring Arrival: First major Hindu festival post-winter
- Academic Start: Children begin formal education (Vidyarambh)
- Yellow Theme: Clothes, food, decorations symbolize spring
🎉 Rituals & Observance
| Ritual | Description |
|---|---|
| Saraswati Puja | White/yellow flowers, yellow sweets, books at altar |
| Vidyarambh | Children write first letters on rice-filled tray |
| Yellow Attire | Everyone wears yellow clothes, saris, kurtas |
| Kite Flying | North India tradition with colorful kites |
| Spring Feast | Kesar halwa, besan ladoo, seasonal dishes |
📚 Saraswati Worship Items
- Yellow/white flowers (marigold, jasmine)
- Sweets: Kesari, jalebi, besan ladoo, halwa
- Books, pens, musical instruments
- White cotton cloth for idol/seat
- Sandalwood paste, incense, lamp
🌟 Regional Celebrations
- North India: Kite flying festivals, yellow Holi precursor
- Bengal: Saraswati Puja with musical instruments
- Punjab: Basant Lol, yellow attire mandatory
- Tamil Nadu: Vasantha Panchami temple rituals
- Odisha: Children’s initiation ceremonies
📜 Legends & Stories
- Kalidasa Legend: Goddess Saraswati blessed illiterate poet
- Brahma Worship: First Saraswati Puja by Lord Brahma
- Spring Symbol: Vasant Ritu begins, nature awakens
🌺 Cultural Significance
- Academic Year Start: Schools resume post-winter, new admissions
- Arts Awakening: Musicians, artists begin practice
- Spring Welcome: Transition from Shishir to Vasant Ritu
- Optimism Festival: Knowledge + prosperity theme
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ When is Vasant Panchami 2026?
Vasant Panchami 2026 falls on Friday, January 23. Saraswati Puja Muhurat: 07:15 AM to 12:50 PM.
❓ Who is worshipped on Vasant Panchami?
Goddess Saraswati - deity of knowledge, wisdom, music, arts & learning. Students seek academic blessings.
❓ Why wear yellow clothes?
Yellow symbolizes spring season, mustard fields, ripening crops & Saraswati's golden glow. Traditional color.
❓ What is Vidyarambh ceremony?
Initiation ritual where children write first letters (usually on rice/slate). Marks formal education start.
❓ Which sweets offered to Saraswati?
Yellow sweets: Kesari, besan ladoo, jalebi, halwa. Also seasonal fruits, flowers in yellow/white colors.
❓ Is kite flying part of celebrations?
Yes - traditional in North India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan). Yellow kites symbolize spring sky freedom.