Ratha Saptami 2026
Sunday, 25 January 2026
2026 celebration (passed)
Sunday, 25 January 2026
See 2027 date below.
Names in regional scripts
About Ratha Saptami
Magha Shukla Saptami — Surya Bhagavan's symbolic turn of the celestial chariot towards the northern hemisphere. Devotees take a pre-dawn bath placing seven Jilledu (Calotropis) leaves on the head, perform Surya Namaskaram, and offer Pongal/Chakkera Pongali to the Sun god. Major in TTD Tirumala and Karnataka temples.
Tithi: Tithi 7 · Type: major · Fasting: Not central to this festival
Ratha Saptami dates (2025–2029)
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 Feb | Tuesday |
| 2026This year | 25 Jan | Sunday |
| 2027 | 15 Jan | Friday |
| 2028 | 2 Feb | Wednesday |
| 2029 | 21 Jan | Sunday |
Observed in
Plan This Festival Auspiciously
Acharya Suryakanth Subramaniam | Parashari JyotishFrequently asked questions
When is Ratha Saptami 2026?
Ratha Saptami 2026 falls on Sunday, 25 January 2026. Tithi 7
What is the significance of Ratha Saptami?
Magha Shukla Saptami — Surya Bhagavan's symbolic turn of the celestial chariot towards the northern hemisphere. Devotees take a pre-dawn bath placing seven Jilledu (Calotropis) leaves on the head, perform Surya Namaskaram, and offer Pongal/Chakkera Pongali to the Sun god. Major in TTD Tirumala and Karnataka temples.
Is Ratha Saptami a public holiday?
Ratha Saptami is not a centrally gazetted holiday but is widely observed in homes and temples. Some states declare it a regional holiday — check your local calendar.
Do you fast on Ratha Saptami?
Fasting is not the central ritual of Ratha Saptami. The day is celebrated with feasts, prayers, and family gatherings.
When will Ratha Saptami be celebrated next year (2027)?
Ratha Saptami 2027 will be celebrated on Friday, 15 January 2027.
📿 Stotras to recite on Ratha Saptami
Aditya Hridayam
आदित्य हृदयम्
The "Heart of the Sun" — taught by sage Agastya to Lord Rama on the battlefield before his final battle with Ravana. A powerful hymn to Surya for victory, vitality, and removal of obstacles.
~8 min
Gayatri Mantra
गायत्री मन्त्र
The most universal Vedic mantra — recited by millions of Hindus daily for clarity of intellect and inner illumination. Personified as Goddess Gayatri, the Vedamata (Mother of the Vedas).
~1 min
Related festivals
Plan around Ratha Saptami