Ratha Sapthami

Tamil

Also known as: Ratha Saptami, Surya Jayanti

Select Calendar Year

2026 Tamil Date

Ratha Sapthami

About Ratha Sapthami

Ratha Sapthami falls on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in Thai (January-February). It celebrates the Sun God's chariot journey, marking the transition of winter to spring.

Devotees wake up before dawn, take an oil bath facing the east, and worship the Sun God. The day is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices.

In Tamil Nadu, temples hold special pukas and devotees offer prayers to the Sun God. The festival marks the beginning of the harvest season.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees observe fasting and worship the Sun God on Ratha Sapthami.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Wake up before dawn and take an oil bath facing east.
Observe fasting or eat sattvic food.
Offer prayers and arghya (water offering) to the Sun God.
Visit temples and participate in special pukas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is Ratha Sapthami called Surya Jayanti?

Ratha Sapthami is believed to be the birthday of the Sun God (Surya). The Sun's chariot, drawn by seven horses, begins its northward journey on this day.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.