- The Sunrise of Devotion: Celebrating Ratha Saptami 2025, during the auspicious, Maha Kumbha Mela. 2025, occurring in 144 years as a part of the historical event. Ratha Saptami is a auspicious day on which we worship Lord Surya i.e. the Sun.
- This day marks the transition of the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Indus Valley Civilization, it marks the end of the cold winter season and the beginning of the hot Summer Season. The days become warmer as compared to those in December, in India.
- It is said in Marathi that the Sun has begun his travelling towards the Northern Hemisphere of the earth. On this day the Devotees offer food, flowers, fruits and water to the Surya Devta i.e. The Sun God.
- Getting up early in the morning before the sunrise, performing rituals, pujas, doing charity and donations, are a part of the devotion on the auspicious day.
- According to the Hindu Calendar, the day falls on the Magha month, and also according to the Gregorian Calendar, the day is said to arrive in January/February every year.
- Devotees take a dip in the sacred river or ponds, during the Arunodaya period(Just before Sunrise) to purify their minds, body and soul.
- Devotees offer Arghya using a small pot (Kalash) and stand in the Namaskar Mudra as part of the devotion on this day. The devotees prepare a sweet dish in the form of Kheer, made with rice, milk, sugar and cardamom, often garnished in cashewnuts and dry fruits.
- The significance of this years Ratha Saptami in the alignment of the Maha Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in India, is immense. It is believed that on the occasion of the Ratha Saptami, a dip into the holy Triveni Sangam of the rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, would purify an person’s mind and soul and bring blessings of Health, Prosperity and Wisdom.
- The Mass participation of the devotees in Prayagraj Maha Kumbha Mela has brought a grand and transformative experience for millions of people.
- This years, Ratha Saptami aligns withe Basant Panchami, a day associated with the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of Knowledge and wisdom.
- Do Not miss the Cultural and Historical event of Maha Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj in 2025.
- The above blogpost, Sunrise of Devotion: Celebrating Ratha Saptami 2025, has a reference from the blogpost, THE TIMES OF INDIA, Ratha Saptami 2025, Date, Timings, Puja Rituals and Significance.
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1. What is Ratha Saptami, and why is it celebrated?
Ratha Saptami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God). It marks the transition of the Sun towards the northern hemisphere and symbolizes the Sun’s chariot moving towards longer days.
2. When is Ratha Saptami 2025?
Ratha Saptami in 2025 falls on February 4. The festival is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Magha.
3. What is the significance of taking a bath on Ratha Saptami?
A ritual bath (Snan) before sunrise on Ratha Saptami is believed to cleanse sins, bestow good health, and grant spiritual enlightenment. Many devotees take a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges.
4. How is Ratha Saptami celebrated in temples?
Temples dedicated to Lord Surya, such as the Konark Sun Temple, Tirumala Tirupati Temple, and Suryanar Kovil, conduct special rituals, processions, and Surya Arghya (offering water to the Sun).
5. What are the key rituals performed on Ratha Saptami?
-Taking a holy bath before sunrise
-Offering Arghya (water) to the Sun God
-Worshipping Lord Surya with red flowers, sandalwood, and sesame seeds
-Chanting Aditya Hridayam Stotra
-Fasting and donating food or clothing to the needy
6. What is the spiritual meaning of Ratha Saptami?
Ratha Saptami represents the divine journey of Lord Surya’s chariot with seven horses, symbolizing the seven days of the week. It signifies enlightenment, wisdom, and a fresh beginning.
7. Can Ratha Saptami be celebrated at home?
Yes, devotees can celebrate at home by offering water to the Sun, lighting a lamp, reciting Surya Mantras, and performing simple puja rituals.
8. What food is traditionally prepared on Ratha Saptami?
Special dishes like Sakkarai Pongal (sweet rice), Til Laddu (sesame sweets), and Payasam (kheer) are offered to the Sun God and then distributed as prasad.
9. Is there any connection between Ratha Saptami and Makar Sankranti?
Both festivals honor the Sun God, but Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), while Ratha Saptami celebrates the gradual increase in daylight.
10. Where can I witness grand Ratha Saptami celebrations?
Some of the best places to witness Ratha Saptami celebrations include:
-Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple (Andhra Pradesh)
-Konark Sun Temple (Odisha)
-Suryanar Kovil (Tamil Nadu)
-Modhera Sun Temple (Gujarat)