Thousands celebrate Ratha Saptami in Visakhapatnam

Thousands of residents from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli gathered at local temples on Sunday (January 25, 2026) to celebrate Ratha Saptami, the birth anniversary of the Sun God. Known as Surya Jayanti, the festival marks the day Lord Surya begins his journey on a chariot drawn by seven horses, signalling the onset of spring.

From the early hours, devotees performed traditional holy bath by placing seven Arka (Jilledu) leaves on their heads. This ritual, performed during the ‘Arunodaya’ period, is believed to bring good health and wash away past sins.

Major Sun temples in the city witnessed heavy devotee footfall on the occasion. The historic Surya Narayana Swami temple at Peda Waltair saw long queues starting from 4 a.m. Special prayers were offered as the first rays of the sun fell on the temple’s sanctum.

At the new Goshala area of the temple, on the Adavivaram-Hanumanthwaka road, the local community organised collective prayers and offered ‘Kshirannam’ (milk rice) to the deity. In Pineapple Colony (Adavivaram), the Surya Narayana Swamy temple near Simhachalam witnessed many performing Surya Namaskarams on the temple premises.

Devotees form Odisha performing puja to ‘Sun God’ on the occasion of Ratha Saptami at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
V. RAJU

The devotees from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli also travelled to the famous Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Arasavalli of Srikakulam district.

Police in Anakapalli have issued advisories due to the heavy movement of vehicles on NH-16, as pilgrims return from Arasavalli. Local commuters were advised to expect delays near the Hanumanthwaka junction and the Simhachalam approach roads until late evening.