In 2026, Basant Panchami will be celebrated on Friday, 23rd January. The festival marks the arrival of spring (Vasant Ritu) and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music, and arts. Basant Panchami is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH) in the Government of India calendar for 2026, allowing individuals to opt for leave. The day is widely observed with prayers, cultural programmes, educational activities, and the traditional use of yellow attire and food, symbolising prosperity and new beginnings.
📜 Holiday Status
Basant Panchami on 23rd January 2026 is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH) in the central government holiday calendar. Employees may opt for leave based on their organisation’s RH policy. It is not a nationwide Gazetted Holiday, though educational institutions and cultural organisations often observe special programmes on this day.
✨ Significance of Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami marks the beginning of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom, learning, creativity, and enlightenment. The festival is especially significant for students, teachers, musicians, artists, and scholars. It is believed that initiating learning, creative pursuits, and educational activities on this day brings success and blessings.
🎉 How People Celebrate
Celebrations of Basant Panchami across India include:
- Saraswati Puja in homes, schools, and temples
- Wearing yellow clothes symbolising energy, prosperity, and renewal
- Offering books, musical instruments, and stationery for blessings
- Preparing yellow-coloured foods such as kesari halwa and saffron rice
- Organising cultural events, music, and dance performances
- Initiating education for young children (Vidyarambh)
🗓️ Leave Planning
Basant Panchami 2026 falls on a Friday, making it convenient for those opting for a Restricted Holiday to enjoy a long weekend. Educational institutions, cultural centres, and music academies often schedule special programmes, making it a popular day for participation in religious and cultural activities. Plan your leave with Smart Leave Planner.
🏛️ Daily Life Impact
Here’s how Basant Panchami’s Restricted Holiday status may affect daily life on 23rd January 2026:
| Sector / Service | Status on 23rd January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Government Offices (Central) | Open (RH – optional leave) |
| Banks | Open nationwide |
| Schools & Colleges | Special celebrations; some may declare holiday |
| Stock Market (NSE/BSE) | Open |
| Post Offices | Open |
| Temples / Educational Institutions | Saraswati Puja and cultural programmes |
🌼 Regional Observance
Basant Panchami is celebrated widely across North India, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. In West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, it is popularly known as Saraswati Puja and is observed with great enthusiasm in schools and colleges. In Punjab and Haryana, it marks the onset of spring with folk traditions and festivities.
📖 Interesting Facts
- Basant Panchami usually falls in January or February, marking the seasonal transition.
- Yellow is the dominant colour of the festival, representing vitality and learning.
- The festival is considered highly auspicious for starting education and creative pursuits.
- Saraswati Puja is especially significant for students and artists.
💌 Wishes & Messages
- May Goddess Saraswati bless you with wisdom, knowledge, and success. Happy Basant Panchami 2026!
- Wishing you a joyful Basant Panchami filled with learning, creativity, and prosperity.
- May the arrival of spring bring positivity, happiness, and new opportunities into your life.
❓ FAQs
Q. Is Basant Panchami a Gazetted Holiday in 2026?
No. Basant Panchami is listed as a Restricted Holiday (RH) in the central government holiday calendar.
Q. Are banks closed on Basant Panchami 2026?
No, banks remain open nationwide unless a local authority declares otherwise.
Q. Why is yellow important on Basant Panchami?
Yellow symbolises knowledge, prosperity, energy, and the blooming mustard fields associated with spring.