Kolkata · West Bengal
Ratha Saptami 2025in Kolkata
Exact puja times & muhurta computed for Kolkata coordinates (22.57°N, 88.36°E)
Key Timings
Festival Date
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Sunrise
06:14
Sunset
17:26
Why This Date?
Ratha Saptami follows the Udaya Tithi rule – the festival is observed on the day when the required tithi prevails at sunrise. This is the default Dharmasindhu convention for festivals without a special time-window requirement.
Calculation Proof – Transparent Audit Trail
Deity
Surya (Sun God)
Legend & History
Ratha Saptami celebrates the birth of Surya, the Sun God, and marks the day he began his northward chariot journey across the sky drawn by seven horses representing the seven days of the week. The Bha… Read full legend →Show less ↑
Ratha Saptami celebrates the birth of Surya, the Sun God, and marks the day he began his northward chariot journey across the sky drawn by seven horses representing the seven days of the week. The Bhavishya Purana describes this as the day Surya's radiance first illuminated the universe, dispelling primordial darkness.
How to Observe
Devotees rise before dawn and bathe with Arka (Calotropis) leaves placed on the head and shoulders, symbolizing purification by the Sun. Surya Namaskar is performed facing the rising sun. Offerings of red flowers, wheat, and jaggery are made. Many observe a fast and recite the Aditya Hridayam stotra.
Significance
Ratha Saptami marks the symbolic birthday of Surya and the quickening of spring. It is believed that bathing with Arka leaves absolves sins of seven lifetimes. The festival underscores the Sun's role as the sustainer of all life and the source of health and vitality.