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New Delhi: Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Panchami, is a festival closely linked with learning, wisdom, and new beginnings. Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the day holds special importance for students, teachers, artists, and anyone connected with knowledge or creative work. 

Every year, questions arise about the exact date of Basant Panchami because the Hindu calendar is based on lunar tithis rather than fixed calendar dates. In 2026, this confusion is more noticeable, with many people unsure whether Basant Panchami falls on 23 January or 24 January.

Here is a clear and simple explanation covering the correct date, puja time, and rituals of Basant Panchami 2026.

Basant Panchami 2026: Date and time

Basant Panchami will be celebrated on Friday, 23 January 2026.

Even though Panchami Tithi continues into the early hours of 24 January, the festival is observed on 23 January. This is because the Panchami Tithi is present during the important morning period after sunrise on that day, which is the key factor used to decide the festival date.

Panchami Tithi Timing in 2026

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Panchami Tithi timings for Basant Panchami 2026 are as follows:

• Panchami Tithi begins at 02:28 AM on 23 January 2026 
• Panchami Tithi ends at 01:46 AM on 24 January 2026 

In the Hindu calendar system, a day is counted from sunrise to sunrise, not from midnight. Since Panchami Tithi is active after sunrise on 23 January and remains present through the morning hours, Basant Panchami is celebrated on that date. On 24 January, Panchami Tithi ends before sunrise, which is why the festival is not observed on that day.

Saraswati Puja Muhurat on Basant Panchami 2026

Saraswati Puja is usually performed in the morning hours on Basant Panchami. The most auspicious time for worship in 2026 is:

• Saraswati Puja Muhurat: 07:13 AM to 12:33 PM 
• Duration: 5 hours and 20 minutes 
• Madhyahna Moment: 12:33 PM 

This time period falls under Purvahna Kala, which is the time between sunrise and midday. Purvahna Kala is traditionally considered the most suitable period for Saraswati Puja. That is why schools, colleges, and families prefer to perform the puja in the morning.

All timings mentioned are based on local time in Delhi, India.

Why Basant Panchami is celebrated on 23 January and not 24 January

Basant Panchami is celebrated on the day when Panchami Tithi remains during Purvahna Kala. In 2026, this condition is fulfilled only on 23 January. On this day, Panchami Tithi is present after sunrise and continues well into the afternoon.

On 24 January, Panchami Tithi ends before sunrise. Since the tithi does not prevail during the daytime, 24 January is not considered suitable for Basant Panchami observance. This is why astrologers and Panchang calculations clearly mark 23 January 2026 as the correct date.

Significance of Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami marks the worship of Goddess Saraswati, who represents knowledge, learning, music, arts, and wisdom. The festival also signals the arrival of spring, bringing a sense of freshness and renewal. Many people believe the day helps remove ignorance and brings clarity of thought.

The festival is considered highly auspicious for starting new educational or creative activities. It is common for children to be introduced to formal learning on this day through a ritual known as Akshar Abhyasam or Vidya Arambham. Students, teachers, writers, musicians, and artists especially observe this day with devotion.

Many also regard Basant Panchami as an Abujha day, which means a day that is naturally auspicious. Because of this belief, people often begin important work on this day without waiting for a separate muhurat.

Saraswati Puja rituals on Basant Panchami

Saraswati Puja rituals are simple yet meaningful. On Basant Panchami, homes and educational institutions clean the puja area and set up an idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati. Books, notebooks, pens, musical instruments, and other learning tools are placed near the deity as a mark of respect.

People usually wear yellow clothes on this day, as yellow is associated with knowledge, prosperity, and the spring season. Yellow flowers and sweets are offered during the puja. In many homes, children avoid reading or writing after the puja until the next day, symbolising respect for the Goddess.

While the entire day is considered auspicious, it is advised to perform Saraswati Puja when Panchami Tithi is active, preferably during the morning hours.

Saraswati Vandana on Basant Panchami

One of the most commonly recited prayers on Basant Panchami is the Saraswati Vandana, which begins with “Ya Kundendu Tusharahara Dhavala.” This hymn is chanted to seek wisdom, clarity, and freedom from ignorance. It is traditionally recited during Saraswati Puja in homes, schools, and colleges.

More than dates and timings, Basant Panchami is a quiet reminder of the importance of learning, clarity, and inner growth. Observed with devotion and simplicity, the day invites us to pause, seek wisdom, and begin anew with a calm and focused mind.

Written by: Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to hello@astropatri.com.