Saraswati Puja date finalised to clear confusion over almanacs

The date for the auspicious festival of Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) is now confirmed as February 2, resolving earlier uncertainties regarding its celebration. This clarification came on Thursday from the Srimandir administration in Puri and Jagannath culture researchers.

Initial confusion arose from inconsistencies in various Odia Panjikas (almanacs) proposing different dates.

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The Administrator (Niti) of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in the pilgrimage town verified that Saraswati Puja will be observed on February 2. This decision was finalised after a thorough meeting that assessed multiple Panjika interpretations.

Anukula ritual of wood for the construction of the deities’ ceremonial chariot (Ratha Katha) will be performed on this day, marking a key part of the traditional ritual observance.

Astrologer and Jagannath culture expert, Pandit Naresh Das, corroborated saying that the calendars distinctly indicate Saraswati Puja on February 2. According to the Panchami Tithi, it will commence at 9.23 AM on the 2nd and conclude at 6:56 AM on the 3rd.

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“A meeting among stakeholders was held to harmonize various Panjikas and accordingly the date for Basant Panchami was finalised,” the Administrator (Niti) Jitendra Sahoo said.

“Following the Chaturthi Tithi, Panchami Tithi will enter at 9.23 AM on February 2. Ideally, performing Saraswati Puja during the forenoon hours is likely to give the best results to a devotee,” the researcher Pandit Naresh Das explained.