Surya Pooja (Ratha Saptami)

Why it's performed

Surya is revered as the visible source of light, health, and discipline; worship of him is believed to burn away illness and dullness while awakening willpower and clarity. Ratha Saptami marks the sun's turn toward brighter, longer days.

When it's performed

Practiced daily at sunrise as a personal discipline, with Ratha Saptami — the seventh day (saptami) of the bright fortnight of Magha — observed as the principal annual festival.

How it's performed

1. Rise before dawn and bathe, ideally with sesame seeds mixed into the water.
2. Face east and offer arghya (water) to the rising sun using both palms or a copper vessel.
3. Chant the Surya mantra or Aditya Hridayam while offering red flowers and akshata.
4. Light a lamp and offer naivedyam such as jaggery or wheat preparations.
5. On Ratha Saptami, draw a chariot with seven horses in rangoli near the doorway as part of the celebration.