RAMESH SAVAIKAR
Ratha Saptmi is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Surya dev (the sun god). It is celebrated on the seventh day of bright fortnight (Shuddh saptami) of Hindu Magh month. It is believed that on this day, Surya travels in his chariot (ratha) drawn by seven horses towards the northern hemisphere, marking the beginning of the Uttarayan period.
This year, Ratha Saptami, falls on February 4. It is believed that Surya dev started enlightening the whole world on this day.
There is a legend that King Yashodha of the Kambhoja Empire had no heir to rule the kingdom. However, following his special prayers to the sun god, he was blessed with a son. And the sun worship is deeply rooted in the Vedas. In Rigveda Mandala, it is mentioned that the sun god is seated on a chariot pulled by two steeds. The chariot drawn by seven horses with Aruna as the charioteer and heading towards the northern hemisphere has a symbolic significance.
On this day, devotees take a bath in sacred water before sunrise. It is believed that performing sacred ‘snan’ on Ratha Saptami, washes away all the seven types of sins.
Devotees also worship the image of Surya dev, or an idol of Vishnu by offering red flowers, ‘dhup’, and camphor. They chant mantras like ‘Om suryay namaha’ and ‘Gayatri mantra japa’.
‘Surya namaskaram’, ‘surya shaktikam’, offering of tulsi leaves, and offering wood used for ‘yagyas’ and sacrificial fire are the important religious rituals held in houses and the temples of God Surya. Observing a day-long fast is also considered to be devotional.
The Haldi Kumkum ceremony by Hindu married women which commences from Makar Sankranti concludes on Ratha Saptami day.
The Ratha Yatra at Veer Venkateshvaran is attended by thousands of devotees who throng there from different parts of the country. A chariot procession is also held to mark the festivities.
Ratha Saptami is celebrated in Goa, Maharashtra, Konkan region, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat with religious fervour, gaiety, and pomp. Various music and cultural activities are held to mark the celebration. The sun god bestows devotees with long life, good health, and prosperity. Ratha Saptami also marks the change of season with the start of the harvesting season. For farmers it is an auspicious beginning.
