Vasant Panchami is not just a festival but a unifying celebration of renewed hope, nature and creativity. It marks the arrival of spring and honours Goddess Saraswati, the source of knowledge, wisdom and creative expression. Also known as Saraswati Puja, Shri Panchami and Basant Panchami, the festival brings joy, colour and energy to life after winter. In many parts of India, people celebrate by wearing yellow clothes, offering prayers, flying kites and enjoying special foods. In 2026, Vasant Panchami falls on Friday, 23 January. In this blog, let us explore what makes Vasant Panchami 2026 special, including its rituals, timings significance and regional celebrations across India.
Why is Vasant Panchami Celebrated?
Vasant Panchami marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the warm and bright weather. The trees start to bloom and yellow mustard flowers cover fields across various states of North India. For many people, this festival is a way to thank nature for life and colour after long winter days.
On this auspicious occasion, devotees seek blessings of Goddess Saraswati for wisdom, intelligence and creativity. Students pray for success in their studies, while artists, teachers, writers, and musicians ask for inspiration and skill. It is widely believed that worshipping Goddess Saraswati on this day helps people grow in education, sharpen their talents and develop creative abilities.
In many families, especially in eastern India, young children are given their first lesson or first writing on this day in a ceremony called Vidyarambh or Akshar Abhyasam. It is seen as an auspicious start to a child’s education.
Vasant Panchami 2026 Date & Timings
The timings for puja during Vasant Panchami are mentioned below:
- Vasant Panchami Muhurat - 07:13 AM to 12:33 PM
- Madhyahna Muhurat - 12:33 PM
- Panchami Tithi Begins - 02:28 AM on 23 January 2026
- Panchami Tithi Ends - 01:46 AM on 24 January 2026
Note: Timings may vary slightly depending on geographical location. Devotees should consult local Panchang or temple authorities for exact timings.
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Vasant Panchami 2026 Rituals
Here's a step-by-step guide to performing Vasant Panchami puja:
- Clear the altar and place an idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati
- Decorate homes with bright marigold flowers and Alpana/rangoli is created using rice flour paste
- Wear yellow-coloured clothes
- Observe a short fast and participate in Pushpanjali, offering flowers to the goddess
- Offer sweets, fruits and yellow-coloured foods (Naivedya)
- Chant Saraswati Stotras (prayers) and mantras followed by Aarti and lighting a lamp
- After puja, distribute prasad among family members and neighbours
Vasant Panchami 2026 Prayers
- Basic Saraswati Mantra - ‘Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah’ (ॐ ऐं सरस्वत्यै नमः)
- Saraswati Gayatri Mantra - ‘Om Aim Vagdevyai Vidmahe | Kamarajaya Dhimahi | Tanno Devi Prachodayat ||’ (ॐ ऐं वाग्देव्यै विद्महे कामराजाय धीमहि। तन्नो देवी प्रचोदयात्॥)
- Stuti - Saraswati Ya Kundendu is one of the most well-known stutis dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is an important part of the Saraswati Stotram. It is traditionally recited during Saraswati Puja, especially on the occasion of Vasant Panchami.
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता।
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना॥
या ब्रह्माच्युत शंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता।
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा॥१॥
शुक्लां ब्रह्मविचार सार परमामाद्यां जगद्व्यापिनीं।
वीणा-पुस्तक-धारिणीमभयदां जाड्यान्धकारापहाम्॥
हस्ते स्फटिकमालिकां विदधतीं पद्मासने संस्थिताम्।
वन्दे तां परमेश्वरीं भगवतीं बुद्धिप्रदां शारदाम्॥२॥
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Top 5 Places to Celebrate Vasant Panchami 2026
- Kolkata, West Bengal
In Kolkata, Vasant Panchami is celebrated as Saraswati Puja with great devotion. Homes, schools, and colleges worship Goddess Saraswati. Students dress in yellow, offer books at her feet, and take part in cultural programs.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur welcomes Vasant Panchami with colorful traditions and a festive spirit. People wear yellow clothes, visit temples, and prepare special foods. The pleasant spring weather adds joy, while families pray for wisdom, prosperity and positive beginnings.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
In Varanasi, Vasant Panchami is observed with spiritual devotion along the ghats and temples. Devotees worship Goddess Saraswati, take holy dips in the Ganga and seek blessings for knowledge, learning, and inner growth.
- Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Mathura celebrates Vasant Panchami with devotion and cultural warmth. Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna host prayers and bhajans. Devotees wear yellow, offer sweets and welcome spring while seeking blessings for wisdom and harmony.
- Basantpur, Punjab
Basantpur means 'town of spring' or 'spring settlement’. The place is known after the significant Battle of Basantar (1971 Indo-Pak War) fought near the Basantar River. Visitors can enjoy community fairs and extensive kite flying, a tradition popularized by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Vasant Panchami is one of the most joyful festivals on the Hindu calendar. Whether you celebrate it for spiritual reasons, cultural reasons or simply to welcome spring, Vasant Panchami holds a special place in the hearts of millions. From worshipping Goddess Saraswati in temples and homes to wearing yellow clothes and encouraging children to learn and write, there are so many ways to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Planning to witness the vibrant Vasant Panchami 2026 celebrations? Book your festive journey with our exclusive India tour packages and get ready for an experience like no other!
FAQs - Vasant Panchami 2026
Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the spring season. It is also dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, learning, arts, music, and wisdom.
In 2026, Vasant Panchami will be celebrated on Friday, January 23, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Vasant Panchami is important because it welcomes spring and honors Goddess Saraswati. People believe that praying on this day brings knowledge, creativity, wisdom, and success in learning.
Devotees generally wear yellow-colored clothes, as mustard fields bloom with yellow flowers during this time. Yellow represents energy, happiness, and learning, making it perfect to celebrate the beauty of spring.
People worship Goddess Saraswati, wear yellow clothes, prepare special foods, fly kites in some regions, and organize cultural programs in schools and temples.
Students, teachers, artists, writers, musicians, and anyone involved in learning or creative work can worship Goddess Saraswati to seek her blessings.
Common foods include kesari halwa, sweet saffron rice, yellow lentil dishes, and other sweets made using turmeric or saffron.
No, Vasant Panchami is also celebrated in Nepal, Bangladesh, and by Indian communities around the world, especially in temples and cultural centers.
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