Saraswati Puja 2026 date in Assam: Date, Time, Rituals & The “Valentine’s Day” of the East

Saraswati Puja 2026 is not just a religious festival in Assam; it is an emotion. For students, it marks a day of freedom from textbooks; for the youth, it is an unofficial celebration of love and friendship; and for the devout, it is the day to seek the blessings of Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Music, Art, and Wisdom.

As winter begins to fade and the vibrant yellow hues of spring (Vasant) start to appear, the state of Assam gears up for one of its most colorful festivals. From the historic Cotton University in Guwahati to the smallest village schools in Majuli, the atmosphere on this day is electric. Streets are filled with young girls draped in bright yellow Mekhela Chadors and boys in traditional Kurtas, turning the entire state into a canvas of joy.

In this extensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Saraswati Puja 2026 in Assam. We will discuss the exact Puja Tithi, the significance of Vasant Panchami, the correct Anjali Mantras, the unique “Kul-Ber” tradition, and why this day is often jokingly called the “Valentine’s Day of Assam.”

When is Saraswati Puja 2026? Date & Tithi

According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Saraswati Puja is celebrated on the Panchami Tithi (fifth day) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Magha. This usually falls in late January or early February. This specific day is also widely known as Vasant Panchami or Sri Panchami.

For the year 2026, the specific details are as follows:

• Saraswati Puja Date: January 23, 2026
• Day of the Week: Friday
• Panchami Tithi Begins: Late night on January 23 or early morning Jan 24 (Check local Panjika for exact seconds)
• Panchami Tithi Ends: Morning of January 25

Since the Panchami Tithi prevails during the sunrise (Udaya Tithi) on Friday, January 23th, the Puja will be celebrated with full grandeur on this day across Assam.

The Significance of “Friday” for Puja in 2026

This year, the Puja falls on a Friday. For schools and colleges, this is an interesting dynamic. Usually, a S is a half-day or a holiday, but on Saraswati Puja, educational institutions remain open strictly for the celebrations. Students will gather not for classes, but to offer prayers, eat Khichdi (Bhog), and enjoy cultural programs.

Why Do We Celebrate Saraswati Puja? The Legend

Saraswati is derived from the Sanskrit words Sara (essence) and Swa (self). She represents the essence of the self, which is knowledge. In Hindu mythology, she is the consort of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe.

The legend goes that after creating the universe, Lord Brahma realized it was silent and chaotic. He sprinkled some water from his Kamandalu, and from it emerged a goddess with four hands, holding a Veena (musical instrument), a Book (Vedas), a Rosary (Mala), and riding a Swan (Hamsa). She played the Veena, and suddenly the universe was filled with sound, rhythm, and intelligence. Brahma named her Vagdevi (Goddess of Speech) and Saraswati.

In Assam, we celebrate this day to pay homage to the source of all learning. It is believed that worshipping her on Vasant Panchami grants wisdom, artistic skills, and academic success.

How is Saraswati Puja Celebrated in Assam?

Unlike Durga Puja which is a community festival, Saraswati Puja in Assam is largely an institutional festival. It is primarily celebrated in schools, colleges, universities, and coaching centers. However, many households also perform the puja at home.

1. The “No Study” Rule

For students, the best part of Saraswati Puja is the tradition of keeping books away. On this day, textbooks, notebooks, and pens are placed at the feet of the Goddess idol. It is believed that the Goddess blesses these tools of learning. Students are strictly forbidden from reading or writing on this day, giving them a legitimate excuse to enjoy!

2. The Morning Ritual: Bathing with Turmeric

The day begins early. Students wake up before sunrise and apply a paste of Neem and Turmeric (Halodhi) before taking a bath. This signifies the purification of the body before the purification of the mind. After the bath, they wear fresh clothes—usually in shades of yellow or white.

3. The “Kul” (Ber/Plum) Tradition

There is a popular belief among Assamese students: “Do not eat Kul (Indian Plum/Jujube) before Saraswati Puja.” It is said that if you eat the fruit before it is offered to the Goddess, you might fail your exams! Whether true or not, students strictly follow this, breaking their “fast” only after eating the Kul from the Prasad.

4. Khichdi Bhog and Labra

No Saraswati Puja in Assam is complete without the community feast. Almost every school serves Khichdi (a mix of rice and lentils), Labra (mixed vegetable curry), Bilahi Tok (tomato chutney), and Payokh (kheer). The taste of this Bhog is considered divine and unlike anything cooked at home.

Why is it Called the “Valentine’s Day of Assam”?

If you walk through the streets of Guwahati, Jorhat, or Dibrugarh on Saraswati Puja, you will notice a distinct vibe. It is often jokingly referred to as the “Valentine’s Day of the East.”

Traditionally, this was one of the few days when girls would dress up in sarees (specifically Mekhela Chadors) and step out of their homes freely to visit different schools and colleges (pandal hopping). Boys, dressed in their best Kurtas, would wait at college gates to catch a glimpse of their crushes.

Over the decades, this has evolved into a day of friendship and budding romance. It is a day when the strict rules of educational institutions are relaxed, and students socialize openly. The sight of couples riding bikes or walking hand-in-hand in parks is a common feature of Saraswati Puja in Assam.

Saraswati Puja Anjali Mantra (Assamese & English)

The most important part of the Puja is the Pushpanjali (offering of flowers). Students gather in front of the idol, holding flowers and Bel leaves in their hands, and recite the mantra after the priest.

The Dress Code: Muga, Paat, and Yellow

Saraswati Puja is essentially a fashion show for the youth of Assam. The color of the day is Yellow (Basanti), representing the mustard fields of spring and the light of knowledge.

For Girls:

• Mekhela Chador: This is the most preferred attire. Young girls often wear their very first Mekhela Chador on this day. Muga Silk (Golden Silk of Assam) and Toss Silk are popular choices.
• Sarees: Many opt for yellow chiffon or georgette sarees.
• Accessories: Traditional Assamese jewelry like Japi designs, Dholiri, and fresh flowers in the hair are essential.

For Boys:

• Kurta Pyjama: The classic look. Punjabi Panjabis (Kurtas) in white, yellow, or maroon are standard.
• Jeans and Kurta: A modern fusion look preferred by college students.

Top Places to Visit in Guwahati During Puja

If you are in Guwahati on January 23, 2026, you must visit these iconic institutions to witness the grandeur of the festival:

1. Cotton University: The heart of Saraswati Puja in Assam. Thousands of people flock here to see the beautiful idols and the fashion of the students. It is almost like a carnival.
2. Handique Girls’ College: Famous for its disciplined yet beautiful celebration. The decorations here are often eco-friendly and artistic.
3. B. Borooah College: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative idol themes.
4. Gauhati University: The entire Jalukbari campus lights up with celebrations in every hostel and department.

[EXPAND THIS: You can add famous colleges from Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, or Silchar here to make the article longer and more relevant to your local audience.]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is Saraswati Puja 2026 in Assam?

Saraswati Puja will be celebrated on Friday, January 23, 2026.

What is the significance of wearing yellow on Saraswati Puja?

Yellow represents the season of Spring (Vasant) and the mustard flowers that bloom during this time. It also symbolizes light, energy, and prosperity.

Can we study on Saraswati Puja day?

Traditionally, students do not study on this day. Books are kept near the idol to seek blessings. Studying is resumed only after the Visarjan (immersion) or the next day.

What is the best time for Anjali in 2026?

The auspicious time (Muhurat) for Anjali is generally in the morning hours, between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Also Read: Atmanirbhar Assam Final List 2026 (Check Status)

Conclusion

Saraswati Puja 2026 is approaching, and the excitement is palpable. It is a day that blends spirituality with culture, tradition with modernity, and devotion with celebration. Whether you are a student praying for better grades, or an alumni visiting your old college to relive memories, this day holds a special place in every Assamese heart.

May Goddess Saraswati bless everyone with the light of knowledge and remove the darkness of ignorance.

Happy Saraswati Puja 2026!