Rishi Panchami 2025: Date, Puja Muhurat, Rituals, and Significance
Rishi Panchami is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to the Sapta Rishis (Seven Great Sages) of ancient India. It is observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month (August–September) as per the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees, especially women, observe this day with fasting, prayers, and rituals to seek forgiveness for any mistakes in following purity rules and to honor the contribution of sages in preserving Vedic wisdom.
In 2025, Rishi Panchami will be celebrated on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Rishi Panchami 2025: Date and Time
- Rishi Panchami Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Panchami Tithi Begins: 03:44 PM on August 27, 2025
- Panchami Tithi Ends: 05:56 PM on August 28, 2025
- Rishi Panchami Puja Muhurat: 11:05 AM to 01:39 PM
- Duration: 02 Hours 34 Minutes
The Significance of Rishi Panchami
Rishi Panchami holds immense importance in Hindu tradition, particularly for women. It is observed as a day of purification, repentance, and gratitude.
- Spiritual Purification – Women observe a strict fast to seek forgiveness for any unintentional mistakes related to menstrual impurity and household duties.
- Honor to Sapta Rishis – The festival is dedicated to the seven sages: Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadvaja, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Vashistha. These sages are revered for spreading spiritual knowledge and Vedic wisdom.
- Generational Blessings – Observing this fast is believed to purify not only the devotee but also their family, granting protection and prosperity.
- Repentance for Mistakes – As per scriptures, observing Rishi Panchami frees one from sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.
Rishi Panchami Vrat Katha (Legend)
The significance of Rishi Panchami is narrated in the Padma Purana.
According to the story, there was once a Brahmin couple who had a daughter. Though she was married, she suffered great misfortunes due to not observing menstrual purity rules. Her parents consulted a sage, who revealed that she was suffering because of mistakes in her past birth, where she did not purify herself properly during menstruation.
The sage advised observing Rishi Panchami Vrat with devotion to cleanse her sins. She performed the fast with sincerity, worshipped the Sapta Rishis, and was freed from her sufferings.
Thus, the vrata came to be observed as a means of spiritual purification and respect for sages.
Rishi Panchami Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
1. Morning Preparations
- Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath in rivers or with herbal water (often with datun – herbal sticks like neem or aak).
- Women maintain strict purity and cleanliness on this day.
2. Fasting Rules
- Many observe a strict fast (nirjala), avoiding food and water.
- Others consume only fruits, roots, and simple vegetarian meals.
- Grains, pulses, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food are strictly avoided.
3. Puja Rituals
- Prepare an altar with the idols or pictures of Sapta Rishis.
- Place betel leaves, turmeric, kumkum, flowers, and holy water before them.
- Light a lamp and incense sticks.
- Offer flowers, fruits, honey, milk, ghee, and naivedya.
- Recite Rishi Panchami Vrat Katha and mantras.
4. Mantras for Sapta Rishis
A common prayer chanted on this day is:
“ॐ कश्यपाय नमः। ॐ अत्रये नमः। ॐ भारद्वाजाय नमः।
ॐ विश्वामित्राय नमः। ॐ गौतमाय नमः। ॐ जमदग्नये नमः। ॐ वसिष्ठाय नमः।”
(Om Kashyapaya Namah, Om Atraye Namah, Om Bharadvajaya Namah, Om Vishwamitraya Namah, Om Gautamaya Namah, Om Jamadagnyaye Namah, Om Vashisthaya Namah)
5. Conclusion of the Puja
- Perform aarti and seek forgiveness for mistakes.
- Charity and offering food to Brahmins and the needy are highly recommended.
- The fast is concluded on the next day.
Benefits of Observing Rishi Panchami
- Purification from Sins – Helps devotees get rid of past and present karmic impurities.
- Protection for Family – Ensures peace, prosperity, and harmony at home.
- Spiritual Growth – Strengthens devotion and leads to divine blessings.
- Health Benefits – The dietary rules observed on this day are detoxifying and beneficial for health.
- Respect for Sages – Strengthens cultural roots by remembering the contribution of the Sapta Rishis.
Regional Observances
- Maharashtra & Gujarat – Rishi Panchami is widely observed by women, often following Hartalika Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi festivals.
- North India – Observed with fasting and recitation of Sapta Rishi mantras.
- Nepal – Celebrated with strict fasting and special prayers in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Rishis.
Conclusion
Rishi Panchami 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The Puja Muhurat is from 11:05 AM to 01:39 PM, and the Panchami Tithi lasts from August 27, 03:44 PM to August 28, 05:56 PM.
This sacred festival reminds us of the importance of purity, gratitude, and respect for the Sapta Rishis. By observing this vrat with devotion, devotees seek forgiveness for past mistakes, ensure family well-being, and progress toward spiritual liberation.
Rishi Panchami is not just a day of fasting but a day of reflection, gratitude, and devotion to the sages who shaped India’s spiritual heritage.
