Ratha Saptami 2028
Ratha Saptami in 2028: the day and its bath before sunrise, at aruṇodaya, for your city, and Bhishma Ashtami the next day.
Ratha Saptami in Delhi
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Delhi, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Ratha Saptami in Mumbai
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Mumbai, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Kolkata
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Kolkata, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Chennai
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Chennai, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Bengaluru
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Bengaluru, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Hyderabad
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Hyderabad, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Ahmedabad
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Ahmedabad, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Pune
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Pune, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Jaipur
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Jaipur, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Lucknow
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Lucknow, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in London
Wednesday, 2 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In London, the Saptamī covers aruṇodaya on both Wednesday and Thursday, so Ratha Saptami is on the earlier day, Wednesday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in New York City
Wednesday, 2 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In New York City, the Saptamī covers all of Wednesday’s aruṇodaya and none of Thursday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Wednesday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Toronto
Wednesday, 2 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Toronto, the Saptamī covers all of Wednesday’s aruṇodaya and none of Thursday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Wednesday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Sydney
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Sydney, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Dubai
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Dubai, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Magha, Shukla SaptamiRatha Saptami in Singapore
Thursday, 3 February
Ratha Saptami is in 473 days. In Singapore, the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Delhi
Delhi timeIn Delhi, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Delhi, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:21 – 13:40, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Mumbai
Mumbai timeIn Mumbai, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Mumbai, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:29 – 14:00, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Kolkata
Kolkata timeIn Kolkata, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Kolkata, on Friday, 4 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Friday’s midday than of Thursday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 11:28 – 12:47, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Chennai
Chennai timeIn Chennai, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Chennai, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:21 – 13:32, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Bengaluru
Bengaluru timeIn Bengaluru, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Bengaluru, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:21 – 13:42, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Hyderabad
Hyderabad timeIn Hyderabad, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Hyderabad, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:21 – 13:38, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad timeIn Ahmedabad, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Ahmedabad, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:31 – 14:00, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Pune
Pune timeIn Pune, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Pune, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:25 – 13:56, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Jaipur
Jaipur timeIn Jaipur, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Jaipur, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:21 – 13:46, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Lucknow
Lucknow timeIn Lucknow, the Saptamī runs from Wed 11:13 to Thu 12:21: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Lucknow, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:21 – 13:25, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Wednesday or Thursday in London
London timeIn London, the Saptamī runs from Wed 05:43 to Thu 06:51: the Saptamī covers aruṇodaya on both Wednesday and Thursday, so Ratha Saptami is on the earlier day, Wednesday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In London, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers Thursday’s midday and not Wednesday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 11:56 – 13:09, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Wednesday or Thursday in New York City
New York City timeIn New York City, the Saptamī runs from Wed 00:43 to Thu 01:51: the Saptamī covers all of Wednesday’s aruṇodaya and none of Thursday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Wednesday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In New York City, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers Thursday’s midday and not Wednesday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 11:49 – 13:10, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Wednesday or Thursday in Toronto
Toronto timeIn Toronto, the Saptamī runs from Wed 00:43 to Thu 01:51: the Saptamī covers all of Wednesday’s aruṇodaya and none of Thursday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Wednesday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Toronto, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers Thursday’s midday and not Wednesday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:11 – 13:31, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Sydney
Sydney timeIn Sydney, the Saptamī runs from Wed 16:43 to Thu 17:51: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Sydney, on Friday, 4 February: the Aṣṭamī covers Friday’s midday and not Thursday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:41 – 14:30, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Dubai
Dubai timeIn Dubai, the Saptamī runs from Wed 09:43 to Thu 10:51: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Dubai, on Thursday, 3 February: the Aṣṭamī covers Thursday’s midday and not Friday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:10 – 13:38, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
How the day is chosen
Ratha Saptami is the Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya, the four ghaṭikās (96 minutes) before sunrise; when it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept. A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day, bathed at its aruṇodaya while the Ṣaṣṭhī runs. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
Thursday or Friday in Singapore
Singapore timeIn Singapore, the Saptamī runs from Wed 13:43 to Thu 14:51: the Saptamī covers all of Thursday’s aruṇodaya and none of Friday’s, so Ratha Saptami is on Thursday. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89
The bath
- A bath at aruṇodaya on this Saptamī equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 330
- It is taken in still water, with a lamp set on the head and then released on the water. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 330–331
- Seven arka leaves and seven badarī leaves are placed on the head. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 331
- Then the arghya is given to the Sun, the lamp of the seven worlds, drawn by his seven horses. Dharmasindhu p. 89
- Gifts: a golden image of the Sun, or sesame cakes, to a brāhmaṇa. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 331–332
The texts also call it Acalā Saptamī (the Divodāsīya, in the Nirṇaya-sindhu) and Mākarī Saptamī (in the bath mantra). It is a Manvādi too. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–332
Bhishma Ashtami 2028
In Singapore, on Friday, 4 February: the Aṣṭamī covers Friday’s midday and not Thursday’s. The tarpaṇa is at midday, 12:54 – 14:30, as for every ekoddiṣṭa. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
- Tarpaṇa with sesame water to Bhīṣma, obligatory and open to every varṇa, done with the sacred thread reversed, then the arghya.
- A śrāddha for offspring, optional.
- Whether a man whose father is living may do it: the Nirṇaya-sindhu and most authors say yes; the Kaustubha says no.
Ratha Saptami 2028 around the world
Each city’s own sunrise and sunset- LondonBath 06:03 – 07:39
- New York CityBath 05:30 – 07:06
- TorontoBath 05:58 – 07:34
- DelhiBath 05:33 – 07:09
- MumbaiBath 05:37 – 07:13
- KolkataBath 04:40 – 06:16
- ChennaiBath 04:59 – 06:35
- BengaluruBath 05:10 – 06:46
- HyderabadBath 05:12 – 06:48
- AhmedabadBath 05:43 – 07:19
- PuneBath 05:32 – 07:08
- JaipurBath 05:36 – 07:12
- LucknowBath 05:16 – 06:52
- SydneyBath 04:43 – 06:19
- DubaiBath 05:25 – 07:01
- SingaporeBath 05:41 – 07:17
Other years: Ratha Saptami 2027, Ratha Saptami 2029; all Ratha Saptami dates.
Questions
From the Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329; Dharmasindhu p. 89, with the page for each.
When is Ratha Saptami 2028?
In Delhi, on Thursday, 3 February 2028, with the bath at aruṇodaya, 05:33 – 07:09. In London, New York City and Toronto, it is Wednesday, 2 February. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329
What time is the Ratha Saptami bath?
At aruṇodaya, the 96 minutes before sunrise, while the Saptamī runs: in Delhi in 2028, 05:33 – 07:09. A bath then equals one at a solar eclipse. Nirṇaya-sindhu pp. 329–330
When is Bhishma Ashtami 2028?
In Delhi, on Thursday, 3 February 2028: the Aṣṭamī covers more of Thursday’s midday than of Friday’s. The tarpaṇa to Bhīṣma is at midday, 12:21 – 13:40. Dharmasindhu p. 90; Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 718
Why is the date different in the US or UK?
Ratha Saptami is decided by the Saptamī at aruṇodaya at the city. The tithi begins and ends at the same moment everywhere, but sunrise and sunset come at different hours, so a city far to the west or east can keep another day. Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 329
How the day is found
Read the methodology- The day
- The Māgha śukla Saptamī covering aruṇodaya. When it covers aruṇodaya on both days, the earlier day is kept (NS p. 329; DS p. 89; VR f. 115). A short Saptamī that ends before the next aruṇodaya is kept on the first day (NS p. 330).
- Aruṇodaya
- The four ghaṭikās, 96 minutes, before sunrise (Nirṇaya-sindhu p. 297).
- Bhishma Ashtami
- The Aṣṭamī covering midday, the 8th and 9th day-muhūrtas, by the ekoddiṣṭa rule (DS p. 90; NS p. 718).
- Sunrise
- At the centre of the Sun’s disc, with refraction, for the chosen city. Every date is that city’s own.
Sunrise and sunset at the centre of the Sun’s disc, with refraction · Lahiri ayanamsa for month names · each city’s own time · Swiss Ephemeris · Method