Basant Panchami 2026: Preparations Begin for Saraswati Puja - Check Feb 1st Timings and Significance

New Delhi/Varanasi, January 19, 2026: Following the conclusion of Mauni Amavasya, preparations to welcome Rituraj Basant (the Spring season) have intensified across the country. Basant Panchami, the festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati—the deity of wisdom, intellect, and arts—will be celebrated this year on Sunday, February 1, 2026. From educational institutions to grand temples, a festive atmosphere has already begun to take shape.

Basant Panchami 2026: Auspicious Timings (Puja Muhurat)

According to the Hindu Panchang, the presence of the Panchami Tithi during sunrise is considered essential for this festival:

• Panchami Tithi Begins: January 31, 2026, at 10:45 PM.

• Panchami Tithi Ends: February 1, 2026, at 09:15 PM.

• Best Time for Saraswati Puja: The morning of February 1, from 07:10 AM to 12:35 PM. (The confluence of Amrit Kaal and Abhijit Muhurat during this window makes it exceptionally fruitfull).

Vidyarambham Sanskar and 'Akshara Abhyasam'

Basant Panchami is considered the most auspicious day to initiate a child’s formal education.

• Akshara Abhyasam: From South to North India, young children are taught to write their first letters on a slate today, a ritual known as the 'Vidyarambham' Sanskar.

• Belief: It is believed that children who begin their education on this day receive the lifelong blessings of Goddess Saraswati.

The Magic of Yellow: Why Wear Yellow Attire?

The color yellow dominates the landscape during Basant Panchami for both religious and natural reasons:

1. Nature’s Adornment: During this time, mustard fields burst into yellow blooms, symbolizing nature’s celebration of spring.

2. Positivity: Yellow is considered the symbol of knowledge, energy, and new beginnings.

3. Favorite of the Goddess: During the puja, the Goddess is offered yellow flowers (marigolds), yellow sandalwood, and yellow bhog (such as sweet saffron rice).

Major Preparations Across the Country

• Ayodhya and Kashi: Preparations for a grand 'Basant Utsav' have started in the major temples of Uttar Pradesh, where the Goddess will be adorned in magnificent traditional attire.

• Schools and Colleges: Educational institutions have begun rehearsals for cultural programs and the Saraswati Vandana to mark the occasion.