Ratha Saptami

Ratha Saptami celebrates the birth of Surya, the Sun God, and marks the day he began his northward chariot journey across the sky drawn by seven horses representing the seven days of the week. The Bhavishya Purana describes this as the day Surya's radiance first illuminated the universe, dispelling primordial darkness.

Devotees rise before dawn and bathe with Arka (Calotropis) leaves placed on the head and shoulders, symbolizing purification by the Sun. Surya Namaskar is performed facing the rising sun. Offerings of red flowers, wheat, and jaggery are made. Many observe a fast and recite the Aditya Hridayam stotra.