Ratha Saptami is one of the main Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Surya. The festival is also known as Magha Saptami as it falls on the 7th day in the Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month Maagha or Margaseersha (January – February).
Ratha Saptami Festival 2024
Rathasapthami symbolically represents Lord Surya turning his Ratha (Chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing seven colours) towards the northern hemisphere. The day is also regarded as the birthday of Sun God and hence is also celebrated as Surya Jayanti. The date of 2024 Ratha Saptami is on 14 February.
Ratha Saptami Rituals
The most important ritual during Magha Saptami festival is designing a rangoli or kolam of Lord Surya Deva riding the seven horse chariot on the ground. Another ritual on the day is taking bath using Erukku leaves. Pongal or Pongala is also offered to the Sun God in some regions.Ratha Saptami Celebrations in Surya Temples
The festival is celebrated at popular Sun Temples such as Suryanar Temple at Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Sooryanarayana Temple Kannur, Kerala and Suryanarayana Swamy temple at Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh. The Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh celebrates a one-day Brahmotsavam on this day.
The festival is known by the name Achala Saptami in some regions.
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