Basant Panchami marks the beginning of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity. Celebrated on January 23, 2026, this joyful festival includes sacred Saraswati Puja rituals, where devotees pray for success in education, arts, and learning.
Across India, Basant Panchami celebrations paint the country in shades of yellow — from beautifully decorated pandals in Kolkata and colorful kites flying high in Jaipur to the golden mustard fields of Punjab. Students wear yellow clothes, place their books before the goddess, and families come together to prepare traditional sweets and celebrate with happiness.Celebrate the charm of this auspicious festival with our carefully designed India Holiday Packages, offering an authentic Basant Panchami experience across India’s diverse regions.
Basant Panchami 2026 – Key Information
- Basant Panchami Date: January 23, 2026
- Saraswati Puja Muhurat: 7:13 AM to 12:33 PM
- Panchami Tithi Duration: 02:28 AM (Jan 23) – 01:46 AM (Jan 24)
- Honoured Deity: Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, music, wisdom, and creativity
- Signature Colour: Yellow (Basanti), symbolizing the arrival of spring and blooming mustard fields
- Main Significance: Welcoming new beginnings, celebrating learning, creativity, and the joy of the spring season
Fascinating Stories Behind Basant Panchami Celebrations
The celebration of Basant Panchami is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is enriched with beautiful stories that highlight the spiritual and cultural importance of this auspicious festival.
Birth of Goddess Saraswati
According to one legend, when Lord Brahma created the universe, it was silent and lifeless. To bring life, wisdom, and harmony into creation, he sprinkled holy water from his kamandal. From this divine act emerged a radiant goddess holding a veena.
Her celestial music filled the universe with sound, rhythm, and knowledge. She was Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, learning, and arts. Her divine appearance is believed to have taken place on Basant Panchami, which is why this day is celebrated as her sacred birth anniversary.
Basant Panchami: A Festival of Love and Renewal
Basant Panchami is also associated with the story of Kamadeva, the god of love, and his consort Rati. When Kamadeva was reduced to ashes by Lord Shiva’s fiery third eye, Rati was heartbroken. She performed intense penance for 40 days, praying for her husband’s return.
Moved by her devotion and love, Lord Shiva revived Kamadeva on Basant Panchami. This event symbolizes rebirth, love, hope, and the arrival of a fresh beginning, making the festival a celebration of renewal and emotional awakening.
Lord Rama and Mata Sabari’s Offering
Another inspiring story connected to Basant Panchami is that of Lord Rama and Mata Sabari. On this day, Mata Sabari offered Lord Rama berries and grapes that she had already tasted to ensure their sweetness. Without hesitation, Lord Rama accepted her offering with love.
This story teaches that true devotion, humility, and purity of heart are more important than rituals or appearances. It reminds devotees that sincere faith is always accepted by the divine.
Basant Panchami Significance
The festival of Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and intellect. On this auspicious day, students, teachers, and artists offer prayers to seek her blessings for success in education, learning, and creative pursuits.
People celebrate by wearing yellow-colored clothes, symbolizing energy and prosperity, and preparing traditional sweets such as Kesari Halwa and Boondi Laddoos. In many parts of northern India, flying colorful kites is an important part of the celebration, filling the sky with joy. In Bengal, devotees perform Saraswati Puja with great devotion, offering books, flowers, and prayers to the goddess.
Basant Panchami Saraswati Puja: Worship Guide & Rituals
Worshipping Goddess Saraswati during the Basant Panchami festival is believed to be highly auspicious. Devotees bring beautifully crafted clay idols of the goddess into their homes and worship her with devotion. The idols are traditionally immersed in water the next day as part of the ritual.The Saraswati Puja is generally conducted by a priest, who leads the devotees through sacred mantras and traditional rituals, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
How to Perform Saraswati Puja at Home
Morning Rituals:
Start the day with a cleansing bath using mustard oil and turmeric. Place the idol of the goddess on a raised platform and decorate it with yellow or white garlands to create a sacred atmosphere.
Puja Steps:
- Begin by setting up the Puja Kalash and first invoke Lord Ganesh to remove obstacles.
- Offer yellow and white flowers while chanting sacred mantras.
- Present chandan, akshata, pushpa, dhoop, deep, and naivedya with devotion.
- Offer yellow-colored sweets and fresh fruits, with kheer commonly prepared as prasad.
In West Bengal, Ber fruit (jujube) is traditionally offered during Saraswati Puja.
For Students:
Students place their books, pens, and musical instruments near the idol to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. On this day, they usually avoid studying as a mark of respect. Since examinations often take place after Basant Panchami, students offer prayers for wisdom, focus, and academic success.
Vidyarambham Ceremony: Toddlers are guided to write their first letters before the goddess, symbolizing the beginning of their journey in education and learning.
Main Puja Mantra:
Namodevyai Mahadevyai Shivayai Satatam Namah |
Namah Prakrityai Bhadrayai Niyatah Pranatah Smatam ||
Vasant Panchami Vrat (Fasting)
Observing a fast on Basant Panchami helps purify the mind and body while strengthening one’s spiritual connection with Goddess Saraswati.
Fasting Guidelines:
- Wake up early (between 4–6 AM) during Brahma Muhurta.
- Wear yellow-colored clothes.
- Opt for a full fast (water or milk only) or a partial fast (fruits, milk, and sattvic foods).
- Avoid grains, salt, and heavy meals.
Puja Setup:
- Place a yellow cloth along with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers for Goddess Saraswati.
- Offer yellow flowers, sweets (such as Boondi Laddoo and Kesari Halwa), books, and musical instruments.
- Chant the mantra: “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah”.
Breaking the Fast:
- After evening prayers, consume sattvic food and share prasad with family and loved ones.
Benefits of Saraswati Puja:
- Blessings of wisdom
- Enhanced knowledge
- Improved communication skills
- Boosted creativity
Success in studies and academics
Best Places to Visit on Basant Panchami in India 2026
Wondering where Basant Panchami is celebrated with the most joy in India? Here are the top places to visit on Vasant Panchami 2026:
1. Kolkata, West Bengal
In Kolkata, Saraswati Puja is celebrated with immense joy and devotion. Students dressed in yellow attire fill the streets, visiting beautifully decorated pandals to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati.
Homes are filled with the delicious aroma of Basant Panchami special treats like khichuri, beguni, and sandesh.
Popular Places to Visit in Kolkata for Basant Panchami:
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- Belur Math
- College Street area
- Community pandals across various neighborhoods
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Basant Panchami celebrations in Rajasthan transform the state into a vibrant and colorful spectacle. The skies fill with kites, rooftops buzz with excitement, and temples glow with lights, while people dressed in yellow attire add to the festive atmosphere.
Enjoy this enchanting festival with Rajasthan Tour Packages, specially designed to give you an authentic Basant Panchami experience.
Popular Places to Visit in Jaipur for Basant Panchami:
- City Palace
- Amber Fort
- Hawa Mahal
- Govind Dev Ji Temple
- Birla Mandir
- Rooftops across old city neighborhoods
3. Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain celebrates Basant Panchami with serene devotion. Devotees gather at sacred temples for morning rituals, while other festivities unfold along the banks of the Shipra River. The day concludes with peaceful evening prayers and the sharing of homemade delicacies.
Popular Places to Visit in Ujjain for Basant Panchami:
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi celebrates Basant Panchami with deep devotion and spiritual fervor. The illuminated ghats come alive with prayers to Goddess Saraswati, while morning boat rides reveal the soothing chants of devotees. Traditional treats like kachori-sabzi and malaiyo add to the festive flavor.
Popular Places to Visit in Varanasi for Basant Panchami:
5. Punjab
Basant Panchami in Punjab is celebrated with vibrant energy amid the golden mustard fields. People gather to participate in kite-flying competitions, enjoy folk songs and dance performances, and join group prayers at gurudwaras. The festival is also celebrated with traditional Basant Panchami delicacies.
Popular Places to Visit in Punjab for Basant Panchami:
- Golden Temple, Amritsar
- Anandpur Sahib
- Patiala
- Ludhiana countryside
- Jalandhar
- Rural villages adorned with mustard fields
6. Patna, Bihar
Vasant Panchami in Bihar is celebrated with devotion along the banks of the Ganges River. The festivities include beautifully decorated pandals for worshipping Goddess Saraswati, and locals enjoy traditional treats like Thekua and Tilkut.
Popular Places to Visit in Bihar for Vasant Panchami:
- Ganges River ghats (Patna)
- Golghar
- Patna Museum
- Bodh Gaya
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib
- Community pandals across Patna
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Vasant Panchami in Ahmedabad blends beautifully with the International Kite Festival, creating spectacular displays in the sky. The city comes alive with Garba performances, vibrant markets, and authentic Gujarati cuisine, offering visitors a truly memorable experience.
Popular Places to Visit in Ahmedabad for Vasant Panchami:
- Sabarmati Riverfront
- Akshardham Temple
- Law Garden Market
- Kankaria Lake
- Sarkhej Roza
- ISKCON Temple
- Local rooftops across the city
Celebrate the Spirit of Basant Panchami 2026
Basant Panchami 2026 is a beautiful fusion of India’s diverse traditions, celebrated with devotion, joy, and festivity. From the serene ghats of Varanasi to the exciting kite-flying skies of Jaipur, the festival honors Goddess Saraswati while ushering in spring with vibrant yellow hues, delicious treats, and lively celebrations.
Students seek blessings for academic success, families gather for prayers, and cities come alive with the colors of culture and tradition.
Plan your Basant Panchami 2026 experience and witness how India celebrates knowledge, creativity, and the spirit of spring in its most enchanting form.
