Ratha Saptami

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Ratha Saptami, "the chariot seventh", shows the sun god Surya turning his chariot of seven horses towards the north, and also marks his birth (Surya Jayanti). The day begins with a purification bath, in a river, the sea or at home, with leaves of the ekka (Calotropis) plant held on the head, and water is offered to the sun. It is one of the important festivals of Vaishnava temples such as Tirumala and Srirangam; at Tirumala the deities are taken round on seven different vahanas in a single day.