Saraswati Puja 2026: Palash Flowers Scarce, Goddess to be Worshipped with Buds

• Palash flowers, essential for Saraswati Puja, are largely unavailable in Alipurduar district due to an early Puja and lingering winter.
• Saraswati, also known as Palashpriya, is traditionally worshipped with these flowers during Basant Panchami, marking the arrival of spring.
• Flower vendors are struggling to source Palash flowers, with many trees yet to bloom significantly, leading to offerings of buds instead.
• Despite the scarcity of Palash, other flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and roses are available, but at higher prices.
• The absence of the characteristic reddish-orange Palash bloom is noted, impacting the traditional spring aesthetic for Bengalis' 'Valentine's Day'.

Why It Matters: Saraswati Puja in 2026 faces a shortage of traditional Palash flowers, leading to worship with buds.