As the cold winter season cools and mustard blossoms open up across the nation, Hindus are gearing up to celebrate their “King of Seasons” (Ritu Raj) with Basant Panchami. Magh 5 is a lovely festival dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati; also the lady of wisdom, art, and music. The fiesta is especially significant this year as it is a Friday as well, an annual time of the feminine or Shakti.
When Is Basant Panchami 2026?
The Hindu Panchang says it would be Friday, January 23, 2026. As the lunar calendar, there are a lot of arguments about which date--but the festival is held on the day that the Panchami Tithi wins the day of the Udaya Tithi (sunrise). It’s a Friday day, so ritual devotees have space to perform there. Key Tithi Timings:
- Panchami Tithi starts: 02:28 a.m on January 23, 2026.
- Panchami Tithi ends: 01:46 a.m. on January 24, 2026.
Auspicious Muhurat for Saraswati Puja
Preferably Suitable Suitable date If one is performing in home, school or work place, the excellent time of day would be the very late morning Purvahna Kala.
- Saraswati Puja Muhurat : 07:15 AM - 12:50 PM.
- Duration: 05 hrs 35 mins.
- Madhyahna (Midday): 12:33 PM.
Why Yellow Rules the Day
Yellow has long been the principal visual symbol of Basant Panchami. Yellows abound, in everything from what folks wear to what food gets prepared (including a line of Meetha chawal and saffron spiced kheer).
The Significance of Yellow
Symbolizing Season: The flowering of mustard flowers (Sarson) representing spring.
Energy- Solar: The color yellow is the color of the sun, representing energy, joy and light of knowledge with the light of the Sun; it is the spirit of the enlightened Goddess Saraswati. For the meaning of yellow is the name which is translated in Latin as “Vidya (sun).
Jupiter (Guru) Positioning: Yellow refers to the astrological significance of the planet Jupiter, which is the planet in which the teachers and wise are born.
“Vidya Arambham” & Rituals
Basant Panchami is an Abujh Muhurat and it just happens that today you can start a business without looking up time or “Shubh” time. Vidyarambham: The day parents begin education with their children. Children are even taught to pen their very first letters (or to even play the musical instrument) in front of the Goddess.
Give Up the Ego
This day after puja, students do not touch their books and pens instead their instruments of study are placed at the feet of the Goddess which symbolizes giving away the Goddess blessing in many homes. Offerings: offerings are white and yellow flowers (particularly Marigolds), white sandalwood, yellow sweets also to the idol.
