Saraswati Puja 2026 is one of the most awaited festivals for students, teachers, artists, and families across India, especially in West Bengal. Celebrated on Basant Panchami, this sacred occasion marks the worship of Goddess Saraswati—the deity of knowledge, wisdom, music, art, and learning. As per the Hindu calendar, Saraswati Puja is observed on Magha Shukla Panchami, a day considered extremely auspicious for intellectual and creative pursuits.
As the new year begins, devotees are already eager to know when Saraswati Puja will be celebrated in 2026, along with the exact puja timings, tithi details, rituals, and the correct Pushpanjali mantras. Here is a complete, SEO-friendly and fact-checked guide based on traditional panjika calculations.
Saraswati Puja 2026 Date and Time
According to the traditional Bishuddha Siddhanta Panjika, Saraswati Puja in 2026 will be observed on:
- English Date: Friday, 23 January 2026
- Bengali Date: 9 Magh, 1432
- Festival: Saraswati Puja / Basant Panchami
The festival will be celebrated throughout the day, with special emphasis on the morning and midday hours for rituals and Pushpanjali.
Saraswati Puja 2026 Tithi and Muhurat Details
The timing of Panchami Tithi plays a crucial role in Saraswati Puja rituals. The important tithi details are as follows:
- Panchami Tithi Begins: 22 January 2026 at 2:28 AM
- Panchami Tithi Ends: 23 January 2026 at 1:46 AM
- Most Auspicious Puja Muhurat:
7:15 AM to 12:50 PM on 23 January 2026
Performing Saraswati Puja and Pushpanjali within this time period is considered highly beneficial for gaining knowledge, clarity of mind, and academic success.
Saraswati Puja 2026: Quick Information Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Saraswati Puja |
| Date | 23 January 2026 (Friday) |
| Bengali Date | 9 Magh, 1432 |
| Tithi Start | 22 Jan, 2:28 AM |
| Tithi End | 23 Jan, 1:46 AM |
| Best Puja Time | 7:15 AM – 12:50 PM |
| Significance | Worship of Goddess of Knowledge |
| Key Ritual | Pushpanjali & Book Worship |
Why Saraswati Puja Is Celebrated
Saraswati Puja is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, revered as the embodiment of wisdom, intellect, learning, music, and fine arts. On this day, students seek blessings for academic excellence, artists pray for creativity, and households worship books, musical instruments, and study materials as symbols of divine knowledge.
The festival holds deep cultural importance in Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and parts of North India, where young students often begin their formal education after the puja—a tradition known as Hate Khori or Vidyarambham.
Connection Between Saraswati Puja and Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami marks the arrival of the spring season. Nature begins to bloom with yellow flowers, mango blossoms, and fresh foliage, symbolising renewal and growth. Yellow, the colour of wisdom and prosperity, dominates the celebrations—seen in attire, flowers, and offerings.
According to mythology, Basant Panchami is closely associated with Goddess Saraswati, while some legends also link the day with Kamadeva, the god of love, who revived emotions and creativity in the universe. Over time, the day became primarily devoted to Saraswati Puja across India.
Essential Items for Saraswati Puja 2026
Some key items traditionally used during Saraswati Puja include:
- Mango leaves and mango blossoms
- Palash and marigold flowers
- Yellow abir and sandalwood paste
- Books, notebooks, pens, ink pots
- Musical instruments like veena or harmonium
- Fruits, sweets, khichdi as bhog
Students traditionally avoid eating kul (jujube fruit) until after offering it to the goddess during Pushpanjali.
Saraswati Puja Rituals and Rules
To receive the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, devotees follow specific rituals:
- Wake up early, bathe, and wear yellow attire
- Set up the idol or image of Goddess Saraswati in a clean space
- Offer flowers, fruits, incense, and bhog
- Chant Saraswati mantras during puja
- Perform Pushpanjali during the auspicious muhurat
- Resume studies only after puja completion
On this day, books and instruments are worshipped and not used until the rituals are complete.
What to Avoid on Saraswati Puja Day
Certain activities are traditionally avoided on Saraswati Puja:
- Cutting hair or nails
- Consuming non-vegetarian food or alcohol
- Stitching or sewing work
- Using harsh language or engaging in arguments
- Using books or musical instruments before puja
- Cutting trees or harming plants
- These practices are believed to displease the goddess and disrupt spiritual harmony.
Saraswati Puja 2026 Pushpanjali Mantras
Pushpanjali Mantra (Commonly Recited):
Joy joy devi charachar sare,
Kuchajug shobhit mukta hare.
Veena pustak ranjita haste,
Bhagabati Bharati devi namahostute.
Main Saraswati Mantra:
Om Saraswatyai Namah,
Vidya-datri Mahadevi,
Buddhim dehi namostute.
Pranam Mantra:
Namo Saraswati Mahabhage,
Vidye Kamalalochane,
Vishwarupe Vishalakshi,
Vidyam dehi namostute.
Reciting these mantras with devotion during Pushpanjali is believed to bring clarity, intelligence, and lifelong learning.
Final Thoughts on Saraswati Puja 2026
Saraswati Puja 2026 is not just a religious festival but a celebration of learning, creativity, and cultural heritage. With the puja falling on Friday, 23 January 2026, devotees have ample opportunity to observe rituals peacefully and seek divine blessings for success in education and life.
As preparations begin, this detailed guide ensures you have all the essential information—date, time, rituals, rules, and mantras—to observe Saraswati Puja 2026 with devotion and accuracy.
