Rathasaptami is the seventh day of the bright half of Magh, the day the Sun is said to mount his chariot of seven horses and head north in earnest. In Marathi homes a small earthen pot of milk is boiled over a fire of dung cakes in the yard, facing east, until it overflows. The day also closes the season of Sankranti haldi-kunku.
The story
The Sun is the eye of the world and the giver of health, and this is kept as his birthday. His chariot has one wheel, twelve spokes for the months, and seven horses for the days.
Schools in Maharashtra mark the day with mass Surya Namaskar, the twelve-posture salutation that the Raja of Aundh popularised a century ago.
How it is kept
- Boiling the milkIn a new clay pot in the open, till it spills towards the Sun; rice is then cooked in it as kheer.
- The rangoliThe Sun, his chariot and seven horses are drawn on a wooden board or at the door in red sandal.
- ArghyaWater is offered to the rising Sun with red flowers.
- Last haldi-kunkuWomen who have not yet held their Sankranti gathering do so today.
Why this date
Rathasaptami is the Saptami of the bright half of Magh, on the day it is present at sunrise.
Ratha Saptami in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tuesday | |
| 2026 | Sunday | |
| 2027 | Saturday | |
| 2028 | Thursday | |
| 2029 | Monday | |
| 2030 | Saturday |
More Marathi festivals
14 JanuaryMakar Sankrantiमकर संक्रांत
15 FebruaryMaha Shivaratriमहाशिवरात्री
4 MarchHoli and Dhulivandanहोळी · धूलिवंदन
19 MarchGudi Padwaगुढीपाडवा
26 MarchRam Navamiश्रीराम नवमी
2 AprilHanuman Jayantiहनुमान जयंती
Where to see Ratha Saptami
In Maharashtra
- Mahalakshmi Temple, KolhapurMaharashtraThe temple is built so that the Sun's rays reach the goddess on set days around this time.
- GanpatipuleMaharashtraA west-facing shrine on the Konkan shore, lit by the setting Sun.
- NashikMaharashtraA dawn bath in the Godavari at Ramkund.
Across India
- KonarkOdishaThe temple shaped as the chariot.
- ModheraGujaratThe Solanki Sun temple and its tank.
- TirumalaAndhra PradeshSeven processions in a single day.