Ratha Saptami 2026: A Sacred Festival Celebrated Tomorrow
Ratha Saptami 2026 will be observed tomorrow, Sunday, January 25, marking one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God. Also known as Surya Jayanti, Magha Saptami, or Arogya Saptami, this festival holds deep spiritual, seasonal, and cultural significance, especially as India transitions toward warmer days.
Observed on the Saptami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha, Ratha Saptami symbolises the divine journey of the Sun God in his golden chariot drawn by seven white horses, representing the seven days of the week and cosmic balance.
Ratha Saptami 2026: Date and Auspicious Timings (IST)
Here are the key Ratha Saptami timings for Ujjain, India:
Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Saptami Tithi:
Starts: 12:40 AM
Ends: 11:10 PM
Snan Muhurta: 05:37 AM – 07:13 AM
Sunrise (Arghyadan): 07:09 AM
Sunrise: 07:13 AM
Sunset: 06:05 PM
These timings are crucial, as rituals performed during Arunodaya (before sunrise) are believed to bring maximum spiritual and health benefits.
Why Ratha Saptami Matters Right Now
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, Ratha Saptami 2026 stands out as a reminder of holistic well-being. Ancient scriptures regard Surya as the god of health, vitality, and longevity, making this day especially relevant amid rising health awareness and lifestyle-related concerns.
Astrologers note that Ratha Saptami also marks the Sun’s northward journey, symbolising renewal, positivity, and the onset of the harvest season—an important cultural milestone for farmers across India.
Key Rituals of Ratha Saptami
Devotees across India follow time-honoured Ratha Saptami rituals, including:
Holy Bath (Snan): Taken before sunrise; believed to cure ailments and purify past sins
Arghyadan: Offering water to the rising Sun while chanting Surya mantras
Mantra Chanting:
Gayatri Mantra
Surya Sahasranama
Adityahridayam or Suryashtakam
Special Traditions:
Rangoli with Surya motifs
Boiling milk in earthen pots facing the Sun
Offering Paramannam (sweet rice) as bhog
In Tamil Nadu, devotees traditionally use Erukku leaves during the sacred bath.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
According to Hindu belief, observing Ratha Saptami offers virtues equal to daan-punya during a solar eclipse. It is said that sincere worship on this day helps absolve sins of past and present births and blesses devotees with success and good health.
Major celebrations take place in Tirumala Tirupati, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, drawing thousands of devotees every year.
As Ratha Saptami 2026 arrives tomorrow, it offers a powerful opportunity to reconnect with ancient wisdom, prioritize health, and welcome positive change. Whether through simple Surya prayers or traditional rituals, this sacred day reminds us of the life-giving energy of the Sun and its timeless relevance in modern life.
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