🌞 Ratha Saptami 2026 – Festival Details
Date: 27 February 2026 (Friday)
Tithi: Shukla Paksha Saptami (Magha Month)
Also Known As:
- Surya Jayanti (Birthday of Surya Bhagwan)
- Arogya Saptami
- Achala Saptami
- Magha Saptami
Ratha Saptami marks the symbolic north-eastern movement of the Sun, signifying the beginning of a more active solar phase that brings health, vitality, and abundance.
🌞 Spiritual Significance of Ratha Saptami
Ratha Saptami is considered one of the most sacred days dedicated to Lord Surya, the giver of energy, life, and health. According to Hindu scriptures:
- It represents Surya Bhagwan mounting His seven-horsed chariot to illuminate the universe.
- It is celebrated as Surya Jayanti, the divine birthday of the Sun God.
- Worship on this day is believed to remove illness, past karma, and doshas.
- The festival marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle in many regions.
- It purifies the mind, body, and soul, bringing spiritual evolution.
Chanting Aditya Hridayam on this day is considered extremely auspicious.
🪔 Ratha Saptami Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
1. Early Morning Ritual – Snan Vidhi
Perform a holy bath (Saptami Snan) before sunrise:
- Place seven arka (aak/madar) leaves on the body—each symbolizing a horse of Surya’s chariot.
- Face the rising sun.
2. Surya Arghya
Offer water (arghya) to the Sun God while chanting:
“Om Ghrini Surya Adityaya Namah”
3. Puja Steps
- Light a ghee diya
- Offer red flowers, red cloth, incense
- Offer jaggery, wheat, and til
- Recite Aditya Hridaya Stotra or Surya Ashtottara
- Perform Surya Aarti
4. Fasting Rules
Devotees may follow:
- Full-day fast
- Phalahar (fruits, milk)
- Satvik food only
5. Charity (Daan)
Highly recommended:
- Offer wheat, jaggery, red cloth
- Donate food to Brahmins and the needy
🌿 Benefits of Observing Ratha Saptami
- Improves health & vitality
- Removes skin ailments and chronic diseases
- Brings success & prosperity
- Helps clear Surya Dosha in horoscope
- Boosts confidence & leadership qualities
- Provides peace, radiance, and inner strength
🕒 Auspicious Timings (General – Panchang Based)
(If you want city-wise exact timings, just tell me your city.)
- Saptami Tithi Start: Varies by location
- Saptami Tithi End: Varies by location
- Most Auspicious Time: Sunrise + morning hours
💬 FAQ – Ratha Saptami 2026
1. When is Ratha Saptami in 2026?
Ratha Saptami in 2026 is on 27 February, Friday.
2. Why is Ratha Saptami celebrated?
It marks the birth of Surya Bhagwan and symbolizes His movement that brings life, energy, and health.
3. What is the main ritual of this festival?
Offering Arghya to the Sun at sunrise and performing the seven arka leaf snan.
4. Can fasting be done on Ratha Saptami?
Yes, many devotees observe fasting for spiritual cleansing and blessings.
5. Which stotra should be recited on this day?
Aditya Hridayam is the most recommended hymn.
6. Is Ratha Saptami good for health remedies?
Yes. Scriptures say worshipping Surya on this day removes disease and grants vitality.
Panchang Official