Ratha Saptami is a special day for Hindus as they celebrate and worship the Sun God, Lord Surya. While other gods from the Vedic era (1500–5th century bce) also had solar attributes, in later Hinduism, the majority of these were combined into a single god.

They believe that Lord Surya travels in a chariot pulled by seven horses. This festival, known as Ratha Saptami, is observed on February 16th in the year 2024.

Ratha Saptami 2024

Surya Dev is considered to be the source of light and energy. On Rathasaptami, people wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath in rivers or lakes. Rathasaptami is celebrated by Hindus. This day is also called Achala Saptami and Surya Saptami.

This event is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Saptami in Magha. This day is dedicated entirely to Surya Dev. It's also called Surya Jayanti because Ratha Saptami celebrates the Sun God's birthday. Sage Kashyap and his wife Aditi were welcomed as Surya's sons on Surya Saptami, hence it's called Surya Jayanti. Surya Dev's parents are Aditi and Rishi Kashyap.

They then offer prayers to the Sun God and perform rituals to seek his blessings. It is believed that observing fast and worshipping Surya Dev on this day can bring good health, prosperity, and success in one's life. Devotees also make special offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets to Surya Dev and seek his protection and guidance.

What is the Mahurat of Ratha Saptami 2024?

Being on the seventh day of Shukla Paksha gives Ratha Saptami its name. Ratha means chariot, Saptami the seventh day. The 2024 Ratha Saptami date is,

  • Ratha Saptami Snan Muhurat: 5:18 am to 6:58 am on February 16, 2024
  • Ratha Saptami 2024 Date : February 16, 2024
  • Ratha saptami Tithi Start Time: 10:12 am on February 15, 2024
  • Ratha saptami Tithi End Time: 8:53 am on February 16, 2024

Ratha Saptami 2024 Puja Benefits

  • Include attaining good health, wealth, and prosperity.
  • It is believed that performing the Ratha Saptami puja on this auspicious day can bring blessings from Lord Surya, the Sun God.
  • This puja is said to remove all sins and obstacles from one's life and bestow divine grace.
  • It is believed that those who observe this puja with devotion and sincerity can also receive spiritual enlightenment and liberation.

How is Ratha Saptami Celebrated?

Ratha Saptami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus all over the world. It is observed on the seventh day of the Hindu month of Magha, which usually falls in January or February.

On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath in rivers or lakes. They then worship the Sun God by offering prayers and performing rituals.

Also Read: ASH Wednesday 2024: Is fasting necessary on this day?

Special puja ceremonies are held in temples, and devotees also participate in processions where chariots are pulled to symbolize the journey of the Sun God. The day is considered highly auspicious, and it is believed that by observing Ratha Saptami, one can obtain blessings for good health and prosperity.

Significance of Ratha Saptami

The significance of Ratha Saptami lies in its association with the Hindu god, Surya, the deity of the sun. On this day, it is believed that the sun god Surya starts his journey towards the northern hemisphere, marking the transition of seasons from winter to spring.

It is considered an auspicious day to worship and seek blessings from Surya for good health, prosperity, and overall well-being. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and offer prayers to the sun god, while also making charitable donations and performing rituals to seek his blessings.