January 23 is known as the celebrated anniversary of Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja, meaning the “Day of Panchami”). The festival also provides spring preparation, with an observance of Goddess Saraswati, the divine goddess of wisdom, music and arts. It is a holy day in India, and a plethora of state governments have called schools to be taken off so that students and teachers can take part in the traditional festivals.
The ceremony is celebrated all around the country though declarations of holidays vary across the states. In places like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar where schools are officially closed, it is a major cultural festival. Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti is a gazetted holiday as two main holidays around Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti happen in India (Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti, Haryana and Punjab).
School Holiday: Dividing It by State-By-State
| State/Region | School Holiday Status (Jan 23, 2026) | Key Notes / Details |
| Uttar Pradesh | Confirmed Closure | Major cultural and religious significance. |
| West Bengal | Confirmed Closure | Saraswati Puja is a primary state festival. |
| Bihar | Confirmed Closure | Schools and colleges remain shut for festivities. |
| Haryana | Confirmed Holiday | Observed as Basant Panchami & Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti. |
| Punjab | Confirmed Holiday | Observed as Basant Panchami & Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti. |
| Odisha | Confirmed Closure | Also marks Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti. |
| Rajasthan | Typically Open | Schools hold morning prayers and cultural events. |
| Maharashtra | Typically Open | Normal working day with special assemblies. |
| Madhya Pradesh | Typically Open | Educational activities often replaced by rituals. |
Schools hold a morning prayer and cultural festival. According to the Indian Vedic tradition, the change in time is taken to be up to 40 days. It’s a special period when the followers receive the “The King of Seasons” (Ritu Raj Vasant) and wish to bless themselves with blessings for their golden year moving forwards. An auspicious date (Muhurat) is also significant, whether you get the puja at home or on campus.
The following worship is recommended to be conducted in 2026:
- Puja Muhurat: 7:15 AM — 12:50 PM
- Panchami Tithi Start: 2:28 AM (Jan 23)
- Panchami Tithi Ending: 1:46 AM (Jan 24)
The Symbolism of Yellow:
Yellow light always shines through at ceremonies. It signifies the proliferation of mustard plants and the strength of the sun. Students will usually wear yellow costume, display yellow flowers or Marigolds, prepare sweets like Kesari Bhat or Saffron Kheer for Goddess.
