Puja guide · Saraswati
Saraswati Puja Vidhi (Vasant Panchami)
On Vasant Panchami, the fifth day of the bright half of Magha, students, artists and musicians worship Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, music and speech. Books, pens and instruments are placed before her, and many children write their first letters (vidyarambh) on this day.
When: In the morning of Vasant Panchami, while Panchami tithi prevails (purvahna).
Samagri (items needed)
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Prasad & naivedya
Kesari bhaat or sweet yellow rice, boondi, ber fruit.
Aarti & stotras
Mantra
Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah with the mantra counter
Step-by-step puja vidhi
Prepare in yellow
Bathe, wear yellow or white, and decorate the shrine with yellow flowers.
Place books and instruments
Arrange books, pens and instruments before the goddess. Traditionally they are not used again until after the puja (or the next day).
Invoke Saraswati
Light the lamp, take sankalpa and offer chandan, kumkum, akshat, white and yellow flowers and incense.
ॐ ऐं सरस्वत्यै नमः
oṃ aiṃ sarasvatyai namaḥ
Recite the vandana
Recite the Saraswati Vandana, “Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala”.
Naivedya
Offer yellow sweets and fruit.
Vidyarambh
Help young children write their first letters — often “Om” — on a slate or in rice.
Aarti and prasad
Perform aarti and distribute prasad, and wear or offer yellow to welcome spring.
Tips
- Students traditionally avoid studying until the puja is complete, so the books can receive the goddess’s blessing.
- In Bengal, Odisha and Bihar, schools and colleges hold large community Saraswati pujas.
Frequently asked questions
When is Vasant Panchami 2027?
Vasant Panchami falls on Thursday, 11 February 2027 in New Delhi.
Why yellow on Vasant Panchami?
Yellow evokes ripening mustard fields and the energy of spring, and is associated with knowledge and with Saraswati.
Is vidyarambh only for small children?
It is mainly for children beginning their education, but anyone starting a new study, art or instrument may begin on this day.