About Ratha Saptami |
| Event | Ratha Saptami |
| Location | Goa |
| State | Goa |
| Category | Festival and fair |
| Date | Feb 16, 2024 |
| Main Attraction | The rituals associated with the festival |
| Overview/History | Ratha Saptami is one of the auspicious festivals of the Hindu religion, which is mostly celebrated and observed by the Hindus, who reside in the state of Goa, particularly in Canacona and Ponda Taluk. Dependent on the northerly movement of the sun, this Hindu festival of Goa is celebrated during Magh that is a holy month as per the Hindu religious calendar that falls in the English month of mid January to mid February. Thus, this festival is even known as the Magha Saptami. Apart from marking the 7th day of the sun's movement, in a way, Ratha Saptami even marks the starting of the spring season in the state, when temperatures show a significant rise in the southern part of India. Ratha Saptami, symbolizes the turning of the Chariot of Surya, the Sun God that is pulled by 7 horses, each of which represents 7 different colors. This even marks the birthday of the Sun God and is thus, observed as Surya Jayanti. The date of this annual Goan festival varies from year to year depending on the varied phases of moon according to the lunar calendar of the Hindus. |
| Celebration | Though some of the important temples such as the Mallikarjun Temple and Shri Manguesh Temple (Even called Mangireesh Temple or Mangesh Mandir) celebrate this festival within their premises, but this famous festival of Goa is mostly celebrated at home. The inhabitants of the smallest state of the country observe different kinds of rituals within their homes. The rituals of the festival are: A fair is organised in reverence to the sun god. A puja is performed which include offering of food (Naivedhya) to sun god,giving Argyam (water in palms) and offering sacrifices to the fire. Those who follow all the rituals associated with the puja are of belief that they will be bestowed with peace and prosperity throughout the year. |
