Ratha Saptami 2026

Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti, is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God. It symbolizes the beginning of the Sun’s northern journey and marks the transition toward longer, brighter, and more prosperous days. Worshipping Lord Surya on this day is believed to remove diseases, purify the mind and body, eliminate negative energies, and bring health, energy, and success. In 2026, Ratha Saptami is especially significant because it falls on a Sunday, the weekday of the Sun God. When the festival aligns with Sunday, it is called Suryavara Ratha Saptami, which multiplies the blessings. This guide explains the Ratha Saptami 2026 date, timings, significance, rituals, snan vidhi, puja procedure, mantras, vrat rules, benefits, and the complete story.

Ratha Saptami 2026 Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026 Snan Muhurat (Holy Bath Timing): 05:26 AM to 07:13 AM Duration: 1 hour 47 minutes Civil Dawn: 06:48 AM Observational Sunrise: 07:13 AM Saptami Tithi Begins: 12:39 AM on January 25, 2026

Saptami Tithi Ends: 11:10 PM on January 25, 2026 The most important ritual of the day — Ratha Saptami Snan (ritual bath) — must be performed during the Snan Muhurat before sunrise.

Ratha Saptami is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated on the 7th day (Saptami) of the bright half of the month Magha (Magha Shukla Paksha). It symbolizes Lord Surya Dev’s chariot turning towards the northern direction, marking the movement of seasons toward warmer climates. It is believed that on this day: Lord Surya began illuminating the world with full brightness.

Surya Dev’s energy became more accessible to humans.

The Sun’s divine power started promoting growth and healing.

Because of this, Ratha Saptami is considered the true solar birthday of Lord Surya (Surya Jayanti).

The Sun is believed to ride a magnificent chariot (ratha) with: Seven horses, representing the seven days of the week, seven colours of light, and seven chakras of the body.

Arunadeva, the charioteer, who drives the Sun’s chariot across the sky.

On this auspicious day, the chariot moves into the northern direction, bringing positivity and new beginnings.

Ratha Saptami holds deep importance in Hinduism, Ayurveda, astronomy, and family traditions. It is believed that offering prayers to the Sun on this day brings:

1. Excellent Health Surya is the source of all life. Worshipping Him helps reduce ailments such as: Weakness

Eye problems

Skin issues

Digestive disorders

Low immunity

Ayurveda calls Surya the healer of all diseases. 2. Success & Prosperity Ratha Saptami removes obstacles related to: Career

Business

Education

Finances

Surya Dev blesses the devotee with brilliance, courage, and discipline. 3. Purification of Body & Mind Bathing during Snan Muhurat is believed to: Remove sins

Cleanse old karmic impressions

Refresh the aura

Strengthen spiritual energy

4. Ancestral Blessings Performing special offerings on Ratha Saptami is said to please: Forefathers

Family deities

Protectors of lineage

5. Good Fortune & Longevity Regular worship on this day ensures: Long life

Protection from accidents

Household harmony

Good crops and agricultural prosperity

Everyone benefits from observing this festival, but especially:

People suffering from health issues Students seeking concentration & intelligence Businessmen wanting growth Farmers praying for good harvest Families wishing for peace & prosperity Couples wanting happiness & fertility Those affected by Sun-related doshas (Graha dosha) Ratha Saptami is simple and extremely powerful, making it ideal for every devotee.

Step 1: Early Morning Ritual Bath Wake up before sunrise (around 4:30–5:00 AM). Fill water in a jar. Add: Tulsi leaves Red flowers Raw rice A little turmeric Take a bath facing the east. Some traditions ask devotees to hold Arka (aak) leaves on shoulders as the water flows. This ritual purifies the body and removes past karmas.

Step 2: Prepare the Puja Area Clean the house and especially the east-facing side. Arrange: A photo or idol of Lord Surya Diya Ghee or sesame oil Red flowers Wheat grains Jaggery Arka leaves Copper kalash Water for arghya

Step 3: Sankalp (Vow) Sit in front of the deity and take a vow: To worship Surya Dev with devotion To seek health, prosperity, and protection To remove negativity and invite divine light

Step 4: Offer Arghya to the Sun At sunrise (07:13 AM in 2026): Stand facing the Sun. Fill water in a copper vessel. Add red flowers and rice. Slowly pour the water while chanting Surya Mantras. Look at the Sun through the flowing water. Offering arghya is the most powerful ritual of the day.

Step 5: Main Puja Light a diya and incense. Offer: Red flowers Wheat grains Turmeric Sweets Chant Surya mantras and perform aarti.

Step 6: Donation (Daan) Donate items related to the Sun: Jaggery Wheat Red clothes Copper utensils Food to the poor Feeding cows

This enhances blessings and reduces karmic obstacles.

The Ratha Saptami story narrates the tale of a king named Yashovarma who had everything except a healthy and capable son. His son suffered from diseases and weakness since birth. A learned sage advised the king: “Let the prince observe Ratha Saptami vrat and worship Lord Surya. His blessings will remove all suffering.” The prince performed the ritual sincerely. Over time: He gained strength and intelligence

His diseases vanished

His life became prosperous

He grew into a brave, righteous king

The story teaches that: ➡ Faith, discipline, and devotion to Surya Dev bring health, vitality, and success.

Ratha Saptami is believed to give both material and spiritual blessings. Key benefits include:

1. Good Health & Healing Removes chronic diseases and improves immunity.

2. Prosperity & Professional Success Blesses careers, business growth, and financial stability.

3. Mental Peace & Confidence Improves focus, removes fear, enhances courage.

4. Removal of Doshas Especially effective for: Surya dosha Pitru dosha Navgraha imbalance

5. Purification of Soul Helps in reducing past negative karmas.

6. Blessings for Children Ensures good health, long life, and intelligence.

7. Protection from Accidents Lord Surya protects the devotee from hidden dangers.

Do’s Wake up before sunrise Take ritual bath during Snan Muhurat Offer arghya to the Sun Perform Surya puja facing the east Donate food or clothes Eat satvik meals Maintain peace and purity

Don’ts Avoid anger, arguments, and negative thoughts No onion, garlic, or non-veg food Avoid sleeping during the day Do not insult elders or priests Avoid alcohol or intoxicants

Surya Gayatri Mantra Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Mahatejase Dhimahi Tanno Aditya Prachodayat

Aditya Hridaya Stotra Reciting this gives strength and confidence. Simple Surya Mantra Om Suryaya Namah

Arka Mantra Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namah

Chanting these mantras 108 times increases blessings.

Allowed Fruits

Milk, curd, ghee

Wheat items

Satvik meals

Jaggery

Not Allowed Onion, garlic

Non-veg food

Alcohol

Spicy or deep-fried junk

After completing the puja: Eat simple satvik food

Offer food to cows

Donate clothes or grains

Spend the day peacefully

Meditate or chant Surya mantras

These actions multiply the benefits of the festival.

Ratha Saptami is one of the most powerful and spiritually uplifting festivals dedicated to Surya Dev, the giver of energy, life, and health. Observing Ratha Saptami in 2026 with devotion — especially since it falls on a Sunday — can bring tremendous blessings: Excellent health

Prosperity

Mental clarity

Protection from negativity

Peace and happiness at home

Stronger willpower

Karmic purification

Whether you are seeking physical healing, spiritual upliftment, or success in life, Ratha Saptami 2026 offers divine grace for all.