Vasant Panchami 2026 – Date, Significance, Rituals & Saraswati Puja Celebrations

 

Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja or Shree Panchami, is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright half of the Indian month of Magh. This auspicious festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, music, arts, and culture. The day is also revered as the birth anniversary of Goddess Saraswati and marks the arrival of the spring season in India.

The word Vasant or Basant signifies spring, while Panchami means the fifth day. Vasant Panchami is considered highly favorable for education and learning. On this day, young children are traditionally introduced to learning through the sacred ritual known as Akshar-Abhyasam, also called Vidya-Arambham or Praasana, where they are taught their first letters.

The color yellow holds special significance during Vasant Panchami, symbolizing spirituality, positivity, and the vibrancy of life. Devotees wear yellow attire and offer yellow flowers, sweets, and fruits to the Goddess.

Goddess Saraswati is worshipped with deep devotion, especially by students, who seek her blessings for wisdom and academic success. Many people also perform Brahmana Bhojanam, offering food to Brahmins with the belief that their ancestors partake in the offering.

Across India, educational institutions organize special prayers and pujas in the morning to invoke the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. In West Bengal, beautifully decorated idols of Saraswati are taken out in grand processions and ceremoniously immersed in the holy River Ganga. On this sacred day, thousands of devotees also visit the renowned Basara Saraswati Temple to offer prayers.

Vasant Panchami 2026 Date: January 23