Ratha Saptami (Surya Jayanti)

It is believed that Lord Surya Dev first appeared in the sky, mounted on his seven-horsed chariot, on Magh Shukla Saptami, and this tithi is therefore celebrated as Surya Jayanti. The seven horses of the Sun's chariot are regarded as symbolizing the seven colors of light, that is, the rainbow.

This day is also considered connected to the Sun's Uttarayan journey, and symbolizes the growing strength of the Sun's light and energy after the winter season, which is why Surya Dev is worshipped on this day with wishes for health, vitality, and prosperity.

Ratha Saptami is also known as Magha Saptami, Bhanu Saptami, and Achala Saptami, and is counted among the most significant tithis of the Magh month, considered especially auspicious for the worship of the Sun.

Devotees bathe before sunrise, following the special tradition of placing Arka (calotropis) leaves on the head and shoulders while bathing, believed to be beneficial for health and to destroy sins. After bathing, arghya of water is offered to the rising sun.

In home courtyards, a rangoli of the Sun's seven-horsed chariot is drawn using cow dung and rice flour, and kheer is cooked upon it as an offering to Surya Dev. In some places, the Surya Chalisa and Aditya Hridaya Stotra are also recited.

At Tirumala Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, the idol of Lord Venkateswara is decorated on various ceremonial vehicles and taken through a grand procession on this day, and special celebrations are also held at Odisha's Konark Sun Temple and Andhra's Arasavalli temple.