Mitra Saptami
festivalsAlso known as: Mitra 7
Quick Overview
- Date in 2031
- Friday, December 19, 2031
- Tithi
- Margashirsha Shukla Saptami (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 08:04 PM, Dec 19 to 06:13 PM, Dec 20
- Lunar month
- Margashirsha · Shukla Paksha
Mitra Saptami
Friday, December 19, 2031
Lunar Month: Margashirsha
Mitra Saptami at a Glance
Mitra Saptami is fixed by the lunar calendar to Margashirsha Shukla Saptami, the 7th tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Margashirsha.
- Tithi rule
- Margashirsha Shukla Saptami (Purnimanta)Shukla SaptamiMargashirsha month
- Tithi swami and group
- Surya · Bhadra Tithi
Panchanga on This Day
Mitra Saptami · Dec 19, 2031
About Mitra Saptami
Mitra Saptami is a sacred observance dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and specifically honors his form as Mitra, the friend of all beings and the deity of friendship, compassion, and harmony. Falling on the Saptami tithi, this day emphasizes the solar virtues of truthfulness, loyalty, health, and righteous conduct in relationships.
In Vedic tradition, Mitra is one of the twin Adityas along with Varuna, representing the warm, friendly, and illuminating aspect of the sun. While Varuna governs cosmic order and the night sky, Mitra presides over the day, treaties, friendships, and the bonds that hold society together.
Mitra Saptami is considered highly beneficial for those seeking to heal broken relationships, strengthen friendships, gain favor from authorities, and improve overall vitality. The Sun's energy on this day is believed to dispel misunderstandings, jealousy, and discord among family members and communities.
Devotees worship the rising and setting sun with Arghya and recite Aditya Hridayam or Surya mantras. The day is also associated with charitable acts, especially donations of food, copper vessels, and red-colored items, which are believed to please the Sun God.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe fasting and worship the Sun God as Mitra to gain health, harmony, and success in relationships.
- Wake before sunrise and take a purifying bath.
- Offer Arghya to the rising Sun with water mixed with red flowers and rice grains.
- Observe a partial fast, eating only after sunset or once during the day.
- Recite the Aditya Hridayam, Surya Ashtakam, or 'Om Mitraya Namah' mantra.
- Avoid anger, lies, and conflict; practice forgiveness and reconciliation.
- Donate wheat, jaggery, red cloth, or copper items to the needy.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Face the rising Sun and offer Arghya while chanting Surya mantras.
- Apply red sandalwood tilak and offer red flowers to the Sun deity.
- Light a ghee lamp and incense.
- Recite the Aditya Hridayam or selected Surya hymns.
- Offer Naivedyam of wheat-based sweets or jaggery.
- Perform Parikrama and conclude with prayers for friendship and harmony.
Vrat Katha: Mitra, the Divine Friend
In a kingdom long ago, two childhood friends were separated by a cruel misunderstanding. Their families became enemies, and the kingdom was torn apart by conflict.
A wise sage advised both families to observe Mitra Saptami with sincerity, offering Arghya to the Sun and praying for the restoration of friendship.
On the day of Saptami, as the Sun rose, both families felt their hearts soften. Old grievances dissolved, and they sought each other's forgiveness.
The kingdom prospered once more, and the people began to celebrate Mitra Saptami as the day the Sun God heals friendships and unites divided hearts.
Mitra Saptami: Frequently Asked Questions
Margashirsha Shukla Saptami; its swami is Surya, a Bhadra Tithi.
Shukla Saptami: 08:04 PM, Fri, Dec 19, 2031 to 06:13 PM, Sat, Dec 20, 2031 (IST).
Mitra means friend. This form of the Sun God represents friendship, harmony, compassion, and the healing of relationships.
'Om Mitraya Namah' from the Surya Namaskar mantras is highly auspicious. The Aditya Hridayam is also recommended.
Yes, the day is considered powerful for reconciliation, mending friendships, and removing obstacles caused by conflict or enmity.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Margashirsha
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
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Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.