Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is very happy to celebrate Ratha Saptami at our Bala Samskar Kendras. Ratha Saptami is a Hindu festival that falls on the seventh day in the bright half of the Hindu month Magha. It is symbolically represented in the form of the sun-God Surya turning his chariot (Ratha) drawn by seven horses towards the northern hemisphere, in a north-eastern direction.

Rituals and prayers are offered to the Sun God, Surya, on this day. The vent is also connected with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.  In general, this day is celebrated by worshipping Lord Surya as it is believed that he was born on this day. According to legend, by making donations on the eve of this occasion, devotees are believed to rid themselves of their sins and illnesses and to be bestowed with longevity, prosperity, and good health.
There are crores of stars in this vast universe. But there is only one star that supports our Earth and our lives. He is the Lord Surya. Before the sun rose, the whole world was dark and devoid of consciousness. According to our Puranas, Surya is the radiant son born to the infinite space called *'Aditi'* and the divine will called *'Kashyapa Prajapati'*. The sun is not just a ball of fire; it is like our father, responsible for the growth of plants on this earth and for providing us with food. We celebrate the seventh day of Magha Shuddha Saptami, on which he was born as Surya Jayanti or Rath Saptami.
If the sun turns its face towards the north on the day of Sankranti, on this Rath Saptami day, he mounts his divine golden chariot and officially begins his journey. The chariot of the Sun God is very strange. The seven horses on it symbolize the seven days of the week. According to science, these seven horses correspond to the seven colors (VIBGYOR) in sunlight. The twelve wheels of the chariot represent the twelve months of the year. Time moves only when the sun moves, and we get light. That is why we call him "Loka Bandhavudu" (the one who wraps the world around).
Ratha Saptami is also known as 'Arogya Saptami'. On this day, people bathe in the morning with seven fenugreek leaves on their heads and shoulders. When the winter season ends and the sun rises, the juice from fenugreek leaves, combined with sunlight, provides our bodies with immense immunity. After bathing, the chariot is decorated with three pillars in front of the house, and milk is boiled in front of the sun. Since the sun grows grains on the earth with its rays, we offer that grain back to it as an offering and express our gratitude. Performing Surya Namaskar on this day improves eyesight and increases memory. It was the worship of the sun (Aditya Hrudayam) that gave Rama immense power to defeat Ravana. Let us all vow to shine with discipline like the sun.
Teacher Tasks
Discussion (Analysis) after the story
Why is the sun called the "friend of the world"? (Because he is the foundation of our earth and life.)
What do the wheels and horses of the sun's chariot represent? (Horses-seven days/colors, wheels-twelve months.)
What is the benefit of bathing with rakuda leaves on the day of Ratha Saptami? (Increases the body's immunity.)
Expression (Creativity)
Colored chariot: Draw a picture of the sun's chariot and ask them to paint seven colors (purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red) on the seven horses.
Prayer: "Om Surya Namah" should be recited by everyone, and the importance of Surya Namaskar should be explained.
Practical Action (Amala)
Courage: Just as the sun dispels darkness, we, too, should learn to be courageous by overcoming fear.
Gratitude: We should make it a habit to do a Namaskar every morning to the sun, who gives us light and energy for free.
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