Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti, will be observed across India on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The festival marks the birth of Lord Surya, the Sun God, and is celebrated by devotees in temples and homes, especially in South India. On this day, people offer prayers to the Sun God seeking good health, strength, and prosperity.
According to Hindu tradition, Ratha Saptami falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha. It is believed that on this day, the Sun God begins his journey in a new direction, ending Dakshinayana and moving towards Uttarayana. The six months that begin from Magha Saptami are considered a sacred and auspicious period. Devotees believe that worshipping the Sun on this day removes illnesses and brings positive energy into life.
The month of Magha is considered very important for Sun worship. When Saptami tithi coincides with Sunday, as in 2026, the festival is believed to be even more powerful. Religious scholars say that the constellation on this day resembles a chariot, which is why it is called Ratha Saptami. Offering water (Arghya) to the rising Sun, boiling milk, and preparing sweet dishes like payasam as an offering are common rituals. These practices are believed to bring good health and long life.
Special importance is given to ritual bathing on Ratha Saptami, especially for children. Elders advise that children should be bathed during Arunodaya, around one and a half hours before sunrise. During the bath, seven Calotropis (Jilledu) leaves are placed on different parts of the body while facing east. After the bath, prayers and Sun mantras are recited. It is believed that this ritual helps in improving health, intelligence, and longevity in children.
Small remedies followed on Ratha Saptami are said to strengthen the Sun’s position in one’s horoscope. Devotees avoid eating salt on this day, while donating salt is considered highly auspicious. Lighting a lamp with sesame oil and letting it float in flowing water is believed to bring happiness in family and married life. Offering sweet rice prepared with jaggery and cow ghee to the Sun God is also considered beneficial. Charity and donations made on this day are believed to give good results.
Note: This article is related to religious beliefs. The information presented here is based on content available on the internet. There is no scientific evidence or factual verification for these claims. The publisher does not certify or guarantee the accuracy of these beliefs.
