Vasantha Panchami 2026: Date and Auspicious Muhurtham
Vasantha Panchami is not just a festival—it is a spiritual beginning. Celebrated as the day of Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, and learning, Vasantha Panchami holds a deeply special place in Indian culture, particularly for families initiating their children into education through Aksharabyasam (Vidyarambham).
In 2026, Vasantha Panchami is uniquely powerful because the Panchami Tithi prevails throughout the day, offering an expansive window of divine grace for Vidyarambham.
Vasantha Panchami Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Panchami Tithi Begins: 02:28 AM on January 23, 2026
Panchami Tithi Ends: 01:46 AM on January 24, 2026
Nakshatra: Purva Bhadrapada (until 02:33 PM), followed by Uttara Bhadrapada.
Times to Avoid (Inauspicious):
It is culturally recommended to avoid the Rahu Kaalam for starting the initiation:
Friday Rahu Kaalam: Approximately 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Note: Many temples continue rituals during this time due to the overall sanctity of the day, but for a private ceremony at home, you may choose to start before 10:30 AM.
Importance of Aksharabyasam on Vasantha Panchami
The term Aksharabyasam is derived from the Sanskrit words Akshara (alphabet/imperishable) and Abhyasam (practice). It is the ritualistic bridge between a child’s playful infancy and their formal educational journey.
Why Vasantha Panchami is Ideal for Aksharabyasam:
It is believed Goddess Saraswati herself presides over the act of learning on this day
Learning started on this day is said to bring sharp intellect, discipline, and success
The ritual is not academic—it is spiritual grounding for education
The Ritual of Writing on Grains
During the ceremony, the child is typically seated on the lap of their father, maternal uncle, or a Guru. The child’s index finger is guided to trace the first letters—often “Om” or the regional alphabet—on a bed of uncooked rice.
Famous Temples for Aksharabyasam in India
1. Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple, Basara (Primary Aksharabyasam Centre)
Location: Basara, Nirmal district, Telangana
Presiding Deity: Goddess Saraswati (Gnana Saraswati)
Why it is most important
Traditionally believed that Sage Vyasa performed penance here
Considered the strongest Siddha Kshetra for Aksharabyasam, where the vibrations of knowledge are said to be palpable
Aksharabyasam Practice
Daily temple ritual
Vasantha Panchami at Basara
Aksharabyasam conducted from early morning till night
Special Saraswati poojas, mantra chanting, and Vidya homams
- For prior booking visit: Click Here or contact us on our number – 9110583839
Accomodation: Basara Haritha Hotel
- One of the best place to stay-in and the best part is it is just 120 metres away from the Temple
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Click Here – To know complete details about the Temple
2. Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple, Kanipakam
Location: Near Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
Presiding Deity: Swayambhu Lord Ganesha
Temple Importance
Famous as the “Upholder of Truth”
Known for removing obstacles (Vighna Nashaka)
Aksharabyasam Relevance
Ganesha removes hurdles in education
Parents seek obstacle-free academic life for children
Vasantha Panchami Practice
Special Ganapathi poojas
Parents perform Aksharabyasam after darshan
- For prior booking visit: Click Here or contact us on our number – 9110583839
Click Here – To know complete details about the Temple
3. Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Karnataka
Founder: Adi Shankaracharya
Deity: Goddess Sharada (Saraswati)
Educational Legacy
One of India’s most respected centers of learning
Vedic education, philosophy, and scholarship
Aksharabyasam Practice
- Daily temple ritual [Timings: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM]
- Age of 2½ to 5 years is eligible for Aksharabhyasa.
Click Here – To know complete details about the Temple
4. Koothanur Maha Saraswati Temple
Location: Tiruvarur district, Tamilnadu
Presiding Deity: Goddess Saraswati
Aksharabyasam Pratice
Performed regularly
5. Panachikkad Saraswati Temple (Dakshina Mookambika)
Location: Kottayam, Kerala
Presiding Deity: Goddess Saraswati
Important Note
Peak Vidyarambham is during Vijayadasami
Aksharabyasam still performed year-round
Vasantha Panchami
Saraswati pooja
- Aksharabyasam
Click Here – Official Website of the Temple
Pooja Items List for Aksharabyasam
1. The Primary Ritual Items
A New Slate and Chalk: Even if the child will write on rice, the slate is often kept as a memento of their first letters.
Raw Rice (Akshata): About 250g to 500g of clean, unbroken rice. This is spread on a tray or the floor for the child to write on.
Turmeric (Pasupu) & Vermillion (Kumkuma): For the initial Ganesh Pooja and to decorate the slate.
2. Offerings for Goddess Saraswati
White or Yellow Flowers: Jasmine, White Lotus, or Marigolds are preferred as they are dear to Saraswati Devi.
Fruits: A bunch of bananas and five types of seasonal fruits.
Betel Leaves & Nuts (Tamalapaku & Vakkalu): Usually 11 or 21 leaves with nuts, offered as a mark of respect to the Guru/Priest.
Coconut: At least two (one for Lord Ganesha and one for the Goddess).
3. Spiritual Symbols
- New Notebook and Pen: Many parents also bring a new book to seek blessings on the “modern” tools of education.
Sweets (Naivedyam): Jaggery, or a home-made sweet like Paramannam (rice pudding), to offer as Prasad.
Note: Most major temples sell “Aksharabyasam Kits” near the temple itself.
FAQs
1. What is the best date for Aksharabyasam in 2026?
The most auspicious date for Aksharabyasam in 2026 is Friday, January 23, which coincides with Vasantha Panchami. This day is globally recognized as the most potent time to initiate children into education and the arts.
2. Is Basara Saraswati Temple open for Aksharabyasam on Vasantha Panchami?
Yes, the Gnana Saraswati Temple in Basara holds mass Aksharabyasam ceremonies on Vasantha Panchami.
3. Can we perform Aksharabyasam at home if we cannot visit a temple?
Absolutely. While visiting “Siddha Kshetras” like Basara or Sringeri is traditional, you can perform the ritual at home. Ensure you choose the Shubha Muhurtham, set up an altar for Goddess Saraswati, and have the child write on a tray of raw rice guided by a parent or Guru.
4. Why is Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple famous for Vidyarambham?
While Saraswati is the Goddess of wisdom, Lord Ganesha (the deity at Kanipakam) is the remover of obstacles. Many parents perform Aksharabyasam at Kanipakam to ensure their child’s educational journey is smooth and free from any intellectual or physical hurdles.
5. What is the dress code for Aksharabyasam in South Indian temples?
Most temples follow a strict traditional dress code. Men and boys should wear a Dhoti (Veshti) or Kurta-Pyjama. Women and girls should wear Sarees, Churidars with dupattas, or Pattu Langa (traditional silk skirts).