📅 Festival Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Rishi Panchami |
| Date | 16 September 2026 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Hindu Month | Bhadrapada |
| Paksha | Shukla Paksha |
| Tithi | Panchami |
| Deities Worshipped | Sapta Rishis |
| Vrat Type | Purification & Prayashchitta Vrat |
📖 What is Rishi Panchami?
Rishi Panchami is a sacred Hindu observance dedicated to the Sapta Rishis — the seven great sages who laid the foundation of Vedic knowledge.
This vrat is especially observed for:
- Spiritual purification
- Removal of past karmic impurities
- Seeking forgiveness for unintentional lapses
It is widely observed by women, though men may also observe it.
🌼 Who are the Sapta Rishis?
| Rishi | Significance |
|---|---|
| Kashyapa | Creation |
| Atri | Mind & intellect |
| Bharadvaja | Knowledge |
| Vishwamitra | Transformation |
| Gautama | Discipline |
| Jamadagni | Tapasya |
| Vashishtha | Dharma |
They represent the pillars of Sanatan Dharma.
🕉️ Religious & Spiritual Significance
Rishi Panchami symbolizes:
- Respect for nature and sages
- Ethical living
- Purity of body and mind
- Gratitude towards ancient knowledge systems
The vrat is considered a Prayashchitta vrat, helping devotees atone for unknowingly committed faults.
🪔 Rishi Panchami Vrat Vidhi
🔔 Morning Rituals
- Early morning bath (preferably with datun of neem)
- Wearing clean clothes
- Sankalp for vrat observance
🔱 Puja Steps
- Worship of Sapta Rishis using flowers and water
- Tarpan with water, sesame seeds, and kusha grass
- Recitation of Rishi mantras
📿 Mantra
ॐ नमः सप्तऋषिभ्यः
🍽️ Fasting Rules on Rishi Panchami
| Aspect | Practice |
|---|---|
| Fasting Type | Nirjala / Phalahar |
| Allowed Food | Fruits, roots |
| Avoided Items | Grains, salt |
| Vrat Break | Next day |
Traditionally, food cooked without salt is consumed after puja.
🌿 Connection with Nature & Sustainability
Rishi Panchami emphasizes:
- Use of natural items
- Neem twigs for cleansing
- Respect for forests and ecology
It reflects the eco-conscious approach of Vedic culture.
👩🦰 Importance for Women
Traditionally, Rishi Panchami is observed by women to:
- Seek purification
- Pray for family harmony
- Maintain bodily and spiritual discipline
However, the deeper meaning is self-awareness and forgiveness, not restriction.
📜 Puranic References
Mentions of Rishi Panchami appear in:
- Skanda Purana
- Padma Purana
- Bhavishya Purana
These texts emphasize:
- Rishi worship
- Ethical conduct
- Spiritual cleanliness
🌱 Symbolic Meaning
Rishi Panchami teaches:
- Humility before knowledge
- Respect for teachers and gurus
- Conscious living aligned with dharma
📅 Calendar-Style Table Entry
| Date | Day | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| 16 September 2026 | Wednesday | Rishi Panchami |
❓ Short FAQ – Rishi Panchami
Q1. When is Rishi Panchami in 2026?
It is observed on 16 September 2026 (Wednesday).
Q2. Who should observe Rishi Panchami?
Traditionally women, but men may also observe it.
Q3. What is the main purpose of this vrat?
Purification and karmic cleansing.
Q4. Is fasting mandatory?
Yes, fasting is an important part of the observance.
Q5. Which sages are worshipped?
The Sapta Rishis.
Panchang Official