Saptami

The number 7 is solar — 7 horses pull the Sun god's chariot (Ratha). Saptami is thus naturally Surya's tithi. Ratha Saptami (in Magha month, January-February) celebrates the moment the Sun turns north after the winter solstice — his chariot completing its southern arc. Bathing before sunrise with 7 arka leaves placed on the body is the specific Ratha Saptami ritual, said to cure all ailments and bestow longevity. Sunday Saptami (Bhanuvara Saptami) is extra powerful because it doubles the solar energy (Saptami = Sun's tithi; Sunday = Sun's day).

1. 1On Ratha Saptami: bathe before sunrise with 7 arka (calotropis) leaves placed on head, both shoulders, both knees, navel, and back
2. 2Offer water to the rising Sun (Surya Arghya) facing east
3. 3Recite the Aditya Hridayam or Surya Chalisa
4. 4Donate wheat, jaggery, and copper on Sun-related charities