Ratha Saptami 2026

Ratha Saptami 2026 Date and Time

Ratha Saptami in 2026 falls on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The Saptami Tithi begins at 12:39 AM and ends at 11:10 PM on January 25, 2026.

The Snan (Holy Bath) Muhurat is from 05:26 AM to 07:13 AM, with a duration of 1 hour 47 minutes. The sunrise (Arghyadan Time) is approximately at 07:13 AM on January 25, 2026.

This date is particularly auspicious as it falls on a Sunday, the day dedicated to Lord Surya himself, multiplying the spiritual significance and blessings of the celebration.

Significance of Ratha Saptami

Ratha Saptami holds deep spiritual, cultural, and health-related significance across Hindu traditions.

Let's examine the primary reasons why this festival holds significance for people.

1. Birthday of Lord Surya

Ratha Saptami is celebrated as the divine birthday of Lord Surya, honoring his cosmic power and presence in our lives. Just like we celebrate human birthdays, Ratha Saptami celebrates the divine birth and power of Lord Surya. It's a day dedicated entirely to honoring the Sun's role in our lives.

2. A Fresh Start for Farmers and Everyone Else

This festival marks a significant seasonal transition that brings hope and renewal to communities across India. Ratha Saptami marks the beginning of spring and the start of the harvest season in India.

For farmers, it means a time of new crops and prosperity. For the rest of us, it represents renewal, new beginnings, and fresh energy in life.

3. The Health Day

There's a reason Ratha Saptami is also called "Arogya Saptami" (the health day). People believe that bathing during this festival, especially at dawn, cleanses the body and mind, removes illnesses, and boosts their overall health and immunity.

4. A Day for Gratitude and Positivity

In our modern lives, we're always rushing. Ratha Saptami is a moment to pause and express gratitude to the Sun for everything it provides: light, warmth, energy, and life itself.

Ratha Saptami Puja Vidhanam: Step-by-Step Rituals

If you're planning to celebrate Ratha Saptami, here are simple steps to performing the puja and rituals traditionally.

1. Early Morning Meditation

Wake up before sunrise and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the rituals. Take a few minutes to meditate or pray.

2. Ritual Bath (Snan) with Arka Leaves

Take a holy bath at dawn. If possible, use Arka (milkweed) leaves, place one on your head, two on your shoulders, two on your knees, and two on your feet while bathing. Bathing in a river or canal is preferred, but a home bath works too.

3. Arghyadan (Water Offering)

Face the rising sun and slowly offer water from a small vessel (preferably copper) with folded hands. Chant "Om Suryaye Namaha" or Surya Mantras while doing this.

4. Lighting the Ghee Lamp

Light an earthen lamp filled with ghee and place it near your prayer area. Offer incense, camphor, and red flowers to the Sun God.

5. Worshiping with Sacred Offerings

Offer these items to Lord Surya: red flowers, vermillion (kumkum), turmeric, jaggery, sesame seeds, fruits, coconut, and incense.

6. Chanting Sacred Mantras

Recite the Gayatri Mantra or chant "Om Suryaye Namaha" repeatedly. Even 5-10 minutes of chanting is beneficial.

7. Preparation of Sacred Food (Bhog)

Boil milk in an earthen pot facing the Sun, then prepare sweet rice (kheer) from it. Offer this to the deity before consuming.

8. Women's Rituals

Draw images of the chariot and Lord Surya, or create colorful rangolis at your home entrance as a sign of welcome and prosperity.

Ratha Saptami Fasting (Vrat) Rules

Fasting on Ratha Saptami is an important aspect of the celebration. Here are the key guidelines:

• Complete Fast: Many devotees observe a complete fast without food or water throughout the day

• Partial Fast: Some follow a partial fast, consuming only fruits, milk, or light meals

• No Sleep: Devotees are advised to remain awake through the night preceding Ratha Saptami

• Purity and Discipline: Maintain purity of thoughts, speech, and actions throughout the day

• Breakfast: The fast is traditionally broken after performing all rituals and consuming Prasad (blessed food)

Fasting on Ratha Saptami is believed to promote detoxification and spiritual purity and attract blessings for health and prosperity.

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Conclusion

Ratha Saptami is a cosmic celebration of life's eternal rhythm and the balance that sustains the universe. Lord Surya, in his chariot form, represents multiple aspects of cosmic energy: the seven colors of the rainbow, the seven days of the week, the seven energy centers (chakras) in our bodies, the seven rays of solar energy, and the seven celestial planets that influence our lives.

Each horse carries deep spiritual significance, reminding us that the Sun's power extends far beyond just providing light and heat. By celebrating Ratha Saptami, we align ourselves with the cosmic energy of the Sun, seek its blessings for health and prosperity, and express gratitude to the divine power that sustains all life on Earth.