रथ सप्तमी
Ratha Saptami
Surya Jayanti, the birthday of the Sun god, when he turns his chariot of seven horses northward.
About Ratha Saptami
Ratha Saptami falls on Magha Shukla Saptami, two days after Basant Panchami. It is celebrated as the birth of Surya and the day his chariot turns towards the north.
A bath at Arunodaya, the period just before sunrise, with seven arka leaves on the head is believed to remove sins of seven births. Devotees then offer arghya to the rising Sun.
How to celebrate
Bathe before sunrise with arka or ber leaves placed on the head.
Offer arghya of water to the rising Sun.
Draw a chariot rangoli and cook kheer in the sunlight.
Recite the Aditya Hridayam or Surya mantras.
Questions
When is Ratha Saptami in 2026?
Ratha Saptami 2026 is on Sunday, 25 January 2026. Shukla Saptami tithi begins at 12:40 AM on Sunday 25 January and ends at 11:11 PM on Sunday 25 January IST.
What is the Abhyang Snan time on Ratha Saptami 2026?
In New Delhi, the bath is taken from 5:36 AM to sunrise at 7:12 AM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
Why is Ratha Saptami also called Surya Jayanti?
It is believed to be the day Surya was born to Aditi and Kashyapa.
What is the right time for the Ratha Saptami bath?
During Arunodaya, about 1.5 hours before sunrise until sunrise.
Around Ratha Saptami
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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