Vasant Panchami 2026: Date, Time, Gujarati Calendar, Saraswati Puja Muhurat & Rituals

Vasant Panchami 2026: Date, Time, Saraswati Puja Muhurat & Rituals

Vasant Panchami, also known as Basant Panchami or Shri Panchami, marks the vibrant arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati—the Hindu deity of knowledge, wisdom, music, arts, and learning. In 2026, this joyous festival will be celebrated with great devotion across India, Nepal, and Hindu communities worldwide.

✅ Vasant Panchami 2026 Date

Vasant Panchami 2026 falls on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

This day corresponds to the Panchami Tithi (fifth lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of Magha.

🕰️ Auspicious Time (Muhurat) for Saraswati Puja – January 25, 2026

The most auspicious time to perform Saraswati Puja is during Vasant Panchami Tithi, especially when it coincides with Purvahna (the first half of the day, considered ideal for Saraswati worship).

According to Drik Panchang and traditional Hindu almanacs:

• Panchami Tithi Begins: January 24, 2026 at 11:48 PM
• Panchami Tithi Ends: January 25, 2026 at 09:22 PM

✅ Best Time for Saraswati Puja (Muhurat):
January 25, 2026 | 06:45 AM to 12:43 PM (Purvahna)

📌 Note: Avoid performing Saraswati Puja during Rahu Kaal or Sutak period (if applicable). In 2026, no major conflicting yogas affect the morning muhurat, making it highly favorable.

🌼 Significance of Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami heralds the end of winter and the beginning of Basant Ritu (spring season). The festival symbolizes:

• Renewal of nature – fields turn yellow with mustard blossoms.
• Awakening of creativity and intellect – students, artists, and scholars seek blessings from Goddess Saraswati.
• Start of Vasant Navratri – a 9-day spiritual cycle culminating in Ratha Saptami or, in some regions, leading up to Holi.

Worshipping Saraswati on this day is believed to remove ignorance, enhance memory, and ignite spiritual insight.

🪔 Saraswati Puja Rituals – How to Perform at Home

1. Cleanse the Home: Clean your study area or puja room thoroughly.
2. Wear Yellow: Yellow symbolizes knowledge, prosperity, and spring. Devotees wear yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers (especially marigolds).
3. Install Saraswati Idol/Photo: Place the idol or image on a clean altar.
4. Offerings (Naivedya): Prepare boondi, sweet rice (kesar pulao), or khichdi—all in yellow hues. Fruits like bananas are also offered.
5. Chant Mantras:
   • Saraswati Beej Mantra: “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah”
   • Saraswati Stotram or Saraswati Vandana
6. Place Books & Instruments: Students place their books, musical instruments, and tools near the deity for blessings. These remain untouched until Vijaya Dashami (in some traditions) or after the next day.
7. Light Diya & Incense: Perform aarti in the evening with devotion.

⛔ Avoid starting new studies or writing on this day in some traditions—instead, seek blessings for future learning.

🌾 Regional Celebrations

• West Bengal & Odisha: Grand Saraswati Puja in schools, colleges, and pandals.
• Punjab & Haryana: Kite flying is a cultural highlight.
• South India: Known as Sri Panchami, celebrated with temple visits and Vidyarambham (initiation of children into learning).
• Maharashtra & Karnataka: Ayudha Puja (worship of tools and vehicles) is also observed.

✅ Vasant Panchami 2026 Date (Gujarati Calendar)

• Gregorian Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
• Gujarati Calendar Date: Magha Sud 5, Vikram Samvat 2082
• Tithi: Shukla Paksha Panchami of the month Magha

In the Gujarati calendar, months begin after Diwali, so Magha falls in January–February of the Gregorian calendar. Vasant Panchami always occurs on Magha Sud Pancham (5th day of the bright fortnight).

🌸 Religious Significance in Gujarat

Gujarati families celebrate Vasant Panchami by:

• Wearing yellow or mustard-colored clothes (symbolizing spring and knowledge)
• Preparing sweet saffron rice (kesar bhaat) or basundi as prasad
• Placing books, musical instruments, and tools near Saraswati idols for blessings
• Visiting temples like Ambaji, Bahucharaji, or local Saraswati Mandirs

Children are often initiated into writing (known as “Aksharabhyaas” or “Vidyarambham”) on this day, seeking the goddess’s grace for lifelong learning.

Is Vasant Panchami 2026 Auspicious for Marriage?

Short Answer: No, Vasant Panchami is generally NOT considered auspicious for weddings in Gujarati or broader Hindu traditions.

Reasons Why Marriage Is Avoided on Vasant Panchami:

1. Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati: The day is purely sattvic (spiritual and intellectual). Weddings involve material and emotional energies, which are considered incompatible with the day’s focus on purity, learning, and celibate devotion (Brahmacharya energy).
2. Scriptural Guidance: Classical texts like Muhurta Chintamani and Dharmashastra advise against conducting Griha Pravesh, Upanayana, or Vivaha (marriage) on Saraswati-related days, as they may dilute the spiritual potency or bring imbalance.
3. Gujarati Tradition: In Gujarat, marriages are typically paused during Vasant Panchami and the surrounding Saraswati Paksha. Many families observe a small “sutak” (ritual avoidance) for major samskaras.
4. Panchami Tithi: While Panchami tithi is neutral, its association with Saraswati Puja overrides general muhurat calculations for weddings.

📌 Expert Opinion: Renowned astrologers and pandits in Gujarat (including those at Panchang Brahmin Sabha, Ahmedabad) consistently advise against scheduling weddings on Vasant Panchami.

If Planning a Wedding in January 2026…

While January 25, 2026 (Vasant Panchami) is not suitable, other auspicious dates in January–February 2026 (per Gujarati panchang) include:

• January 12, 2026 – Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi (if Vivah Muhurat aligns)
• February 2, 2026 – Paush Purnima
• February 12–14, 2026 – Magha Shukla Dwadashi to Chaturdashi (subject to lagna & nakshatra)

Always consult a qualified Gujarati pandit or jyotishi with your kundali (birth chart) for personalized muhurat.

📜 Reference: Gujarati Panchang 2082 (VS)

📚 Vasant Panchami 2026 Quick Facts

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