Preparations for Saraswati Puja 2026 have begun across Bhagalpur and parts of eastern Bihar. According to the calendar, Saraswati Puja will be observed on Friday, January 23, 2026.
As per the almanac, auspicious conditions will prevail throughout the day, allowing devotees to perform worship at their convenience. Astrologers have also identified a specific period that is considered especially auspicious for the ritual.
Religious beliefs state that the period from 11:40 am to 12:28 pm on January 23 is regarded as the most favourable time for Saraswati Puja. Worship performed during this period is believed to enhance learning, intellect, and concentration. This time is considered particularly auspicious for students, with the belief that prayers offered then help remove obstacles in studies.
The almanac further notes that since auspiciousness will remain throughout the day, devotees or students unable to perform worship during the specific muhurat may do so at other times following prescribed rituals. Conditions will remain favourable from morning to evening for prayers, aarti, and chanting. As a result, schools, colleges, and households are preparing to hold worship at different times.
Saraswati Puja holds special importance for students, teachers, writers, artists, and those associated with music. On this day, books, notebooks, pens, and musical instruments are worshipped. It is believed that the blessings of Goddess Saraswati promote the growth of knowledge and strengthen intellectual ability. Preparations for worship are underway in pandals and homes in both urban and rural areas of Bhagalpur.
Astrologers have stated that the alignment of the Panchami tithi this year is favourable for the observance, adding to the significance of the festival. In several places, the tradition of introducing children to writing is also set to be observed. Plans are also in place for bhajans, kirtans, and cultural programmes.
Overall, Saraswati Puja 2026 will be observed with favourable conditions on January 23, with worship possible throughout the day. The period from 11:40 am to 12:28 pm is regarded as especially auspicious.
Separately, an officer–public interaction programme has been launched in Muzaffarpur with the objective of establishing direct communication between the administration and the public. The initiative has received mixed responses in both urban and rural areas.
During the programme, residents at several locations raised long-pending issues. Complaints related to land disputes, drainage and waterlogging, roads, ration cards, pensions, housing schemes, and electricity and water supply were presented. Participants said the programme provided an opportunity to speak directly with officials on a single platform, raising expectations that their grievances would be addressed. Officials listened to the complaints and assured that instructions for action would be issued to the concerned departments.
However, attendance varied across locations. In some areas, the expected turnout was not seen and several chairs remained vacant. Local residents said the information about the programme may not have reached people on time or in an effective manner. Others cited past experiences, stating that similar public hearings were held earlier but resolutions were not visible on the ground, leading to reduced public trust and participation.
