Overview
- In 2026 the festival falls on Friday, January 23, with Panchami Tithi from 2:28 am (Jan 23) to 1:46 am (Jan 24).
- Drik Panchang lists the puja muhurat as 7:13 am to 12:33 pm, while other outlets publish slight variations such as 6:46 am to 12:32 pm and 7:10 am to 12:46 pm.
- Core observances include Saraswati Puja, Akshara Bhyasam/Vidyarambh for children, and placing books and instruments before the deity for blessings.
- Yellow dominates attire, flowers and prasad; common offerings include kesari halwa, saffron rice, kesari kheer, khichdi and regional dishes like pulihora.
- Celebrations vary by region with large Saraswati Pujas in eastern states, kite-flying in the north, and a distinctive blue-ink abhishekam at Ujjain’s Neel Saraswati temple.