Ratha Saptami

Ratha Saptami (Sanskrit: रथसप्तमी, romanized: Rathasaptamī), also rendered Magha Saptami, is a Hindu festival that falls on the seventh day (saptami) in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month Magha. It is symbolically represented in the form of the sun-god Surya turning his ratha (chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing the seven colours) towards the northern hemisphere, in a north-easternly direction. It also marks the birth of Surya and is hence also celebrated as Surya Jayanti (the sun-god’s birthday). In recognition of its cultural and spiritual importance, the Government of Andhra Pradesh officially declared Ratha Saptami a state festival in December 2024, to be celebrated for three days, particularly at the prominent Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple in Arasavalli, Srikakulam district.

Ratha Saptami is symbolic of the change of season to spring and the start of the harvesting season. For most Indian farmers, it is an auspicious beginning of the New Year. The festival is observed by all Hindus in their houses and in innumerable temples dedicated to Surya, across India.