National: The festival of Basant Panchami was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across India as prominent national leaders extended their greetings to citizens on this auspicious occasion. Marking the arrival of spring and dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the day holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people. Messages from senior leaders highlighted themes of knowledge, wisdom, harmony, and prosperity, reflecting the spirit of the festival.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed his heartfelt wishes to people across the country on the occasion of Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja. Sharing his message on social media platform X, he extended warm greetings and acknowledged the importance of the day, which is traditionally associated with learning, arts, and the pursuit of wisdom. His message resonated with students, educators, and devotees who observe the festival as a time to seek blessings for intellectual growth and clarity.
President Droupadi Murmu also shared her greetings, emphasizing the joy and enthusiasm with which Basant Panchami is celebrated throughout the nation. In her message, she highlighted that the festival symbolizes the onset of spring and is dedicated to the worship of Maa Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. The President expressed her hope that the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to every household and inspire people to follow the path of learning and enlightenment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in extending greetings on the sacred occasion. In his message, he described Basant Panchami as a festival dedicated to the beauty and divinity of nature. He prayed that the blessings of Goddess Saraswati may illuminate every life with wisdom, discernment, and intelligence. His words reflected the cultural essence of the festival, which celebrates creativity, education, and spiritual awareness.
Large crowds of devotees gathered at the Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip during the annual Magh Mela on the occasion of Basant Panchami. The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers holds immense religious significance, and taking a ritual bath on this day is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual merit. The atmosphere at the Sangam was marked by chants, prayers, and a strong sense of devotion.
In Ayodhya, devotees assembled at the Saryu Ghat, where they took holy dips and performed rituals and prayers to mark the festival. The sacred city witnessed a peaceful yet vibrant celebration as people offered prayers seeking blessings for wisdom and well-being. Meanwhile, in Ujjain, a special Bhasma Aarti was performed at the revered Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple. The ritual attracted a large number of devotees, adding to the spiritual fervor associated with Basant Panchami.
The Magh Mela in Prayagraj continues to draw pilgrims from different parts of the country. This 45-day annual Hindu pilgrimage began on January 3 and will continue until February 15, 2026. Centered around the Triveni Sangam, the event features multiple auspicious bathing dates, starting from Paush Purnima and concluding on Mahashivaratri. Basant Panchami is considered one of the most important days of the Mela, witnessing massive congregations of devotees.
Basant Panchami is not only a religious observance but also a cultural celebration that marks new beginnings. Educational institutions, music academies, and art centers organize special prayers and programs dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The festival symbolizes hope, renewal, and the pursuit of knowledge, making it a unifying occasion celebrated with devotion across different regions of India.
