Ratha Saptami – Significance and Traditions (with special focus on Andhra Pradesh & Telangana)

 

Ratha Saptami is a very sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). It is celebrated on the 7th day (Saptami) of the bright half of the month of Magha. When Ratha Saptami falls on a Sunday, it becomes extra auspicious, because Sunday itself is ruled by the Sun God.

 

Mythological & Spiritual Significance

Ratha means chariot. On this day, Lord Surya is believed to begin His northward journey (Uttarayana) riding a chariot with seven horses, symbolizing:

Seven days of the week

Seven colors of light

Seven chakras

This day marks the change of seasons and the beginning of positive energy, health, and prosperity.

Ratha Saptami is also considered a mini-Makara Sankranti.

 

Importance of Sunday + Ratha Saptami

When Ratha Saptami comes on a Sunday, it is called Maha Ratha Saptami.

Worship done on this day is believed to give manifold benefits:

Relief from health issues

Cure for skin diseases and chronic illnesses

Removal of sins (Papa Nashanam)

Longevity and vitality

 

Temple Celebrations

Major Sun temples and Vishnu temples conduct:

Surya Namaskara Puja

Abhishekam

Ratha procession (chariot festival)

Tirumala Tirupati celebrates this day very grandly with seven different vahanams of Lord Venkateswara in one day.

 

Home Rituals Performed by Devotees

1. Early Morning Holy Bath (Aruna Snanam)

People wake up before sunrise.

A special bath is taken while chanting Surya mantras.

2. Jilledu Aaku (Calotropis gigantea) Bath – Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Tradition

This is a very important and unique custom.

How it is done:

Seven or one Jilledu leaves are placed on the head, shoulders, knees, and feet.

While bathing, people chant:

“Sapta Saptami Maha Saptami,
Arogya Saptami Bhava”

Why Jilledu Leaf?

Jilledu plant is associated with Surya and Lord Shiva.

It has medicinal properties:

Removes toxins from the body

Improves skin health

Helps in joint pains and heat-related disorders

Spiritually, it is believed to:

Absorb negative energy

Destroy sins of past births

Bring good health and longevity

This bath is especially believed to cure skin diseases, leprosy, and chronic ailments when done with devotion.

 

Special Pujas at Home

Surya Aradhana facing east

Offering water (Arghya) to the rising Sun with:

Water

Red flowers

Akshata

Reciting:

Aditya Hridayam

Surya Gayatri Mantra

Surya Sahasranama

 

Naivedyam (Food Offerings)

Common offerings in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana include:

Sweet Pongal

Paramannam

Chakara Pongali

Pulihora

Minapa Garelu

Payasam

Fruits like banana, sugarcane

These are offered to Lord Surya and then shared as prasadam.

 

Benefits of Observing Ratha Saptami

Good health and immunity

Success and clarity in life

Relief from planetary doshas, especially Surya Dosha

Prosperity and family well-being

 

Conclusion

Ratha Saptami, especially when it falls on a Sunday, is a powerful day to worship the Sun God, the source of life. The Jilledu leaf bath practiced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana beautifully combines ancient science, Ayurveda, and spirituality, showing deep respect for nature and cosmic energy.

Below are the scientific and health-based explanations behind the Ratha Saptami rituals, especially the Jilledu aaku bath, explained in a simple but detailed way, along with how ancient tradition aligns with modern science.

 

 Scientific Reasons Behind Ratha Saptami Rituals

1. Why Ratha Saptami Falls in Magha Month (Seasonal Science)

Ratha Saptami occurs during the transition from peak winter to early summer.

During this period:

Body immunity is low

Skin pores are closed due to cold

Metabolism slows down

Rituals on this day are designed to:

Stimulate metabolism

Open skin pores

Prepare the body for increasing heat

 Ancient sages aligned festivals with seasonal detox needs.

 

2. Early Morning Bath (Aruna Snanam) – Circadian Rhythm

Bathing before sunrise resets the biological clock (circadian rhythm).

Cold or lukewarm water:

Improves blood circulation

Activates the nervous system

Increases alertness and mental clarity

Exposure to early sunlight triggers Vitamin D synthesis and serotonin release, improving mood and immunity.

 

3. Jilledu Aaku (Calotropis) Bath – Medicinal Science

 Medicinal Properties of Jilledu Plant

Modern research shows Calotropis contains:

Anti-bacterial compounds

Anti-fungal agents

Anti-inflammatory properties

Natural latex with detoxifying action

 How the Bath Works Scientifically

Leaves placed on the body + warm water:

Open skin pores

Allow mild absorption of medicinal compounds

Helps in:

Killing surface microbes

Reducing skin infections

Relieving joint pain and muscle stiffness

Removing excess oil and toxins

 Note: Leaves are used externally only, never ingested.

 

4. Why Leaves Are Placed on Head, Shoulders, Knees, Feet

These are major nerve junctions and pressure points:

Body Part	Scientific Benefit
Head	Stimulates nervous system, improves circulation
Shoulders	Relieves stress and muscle tension
Knees	Improves joint flexibility
Feet	Activates reflex points linked to organs

 Similar to acupressure and reflexology concepts.

 

5. Chanting Mantras While Bathing – Sound Therapy

Repetitive chanting creates vibrational frequencies.

These vibrations:

Calm the nervous system

Reduce stress hormones (cortisol)

Improve breath control and oxygen intake

Mantras also synchronize mind–body coordination, enhancing ritual impact.

 

6. Surya Arghya (Offering Water to Sun)

 Optical & Physiological Science

Water acts as a natural lens, allowing soft filtered sunlight to enter the eyes.

Early morning sunlight:

Strengthens eyesight

Regulates melatonin

Improves sleep cycles

The copper vessel often used adds trace copper, which has antimicrobial properties.

 

7. Naivedyam (Food Offerings) – Nutritional Science

Traditional foods offered are easy to digest and energy-boosting:

Food	Scientific Benefit
Pongal	Balanced carbs + protein
Payasam	Quick energy, calcium
Garelu	Protein rich
Jaggery	Iron, detoxifies blood
Ghee	Improves digestion & immunity

Ideal foods for seasonal transition.

 

8. Group Rituals & Temple Visits – Mental Health Science

Collective worship creates:

Emotional bonding

Reduced anxiety

Positive psychological reinforcement

Faith-based routines are proven to:

Improve resilience

Reduce depression

Enhance overall well-being

 

 Ancient Wisdom = Preventive Healthcare

Ratha Saptami is not just a ritual—it is an annual preventive health program designed by ancient sages to:

Detox the body

Boost immunity

Prepare the body for summer

Balance mind, body, and environment

 

 Final Thought

What appears as “religious ritual” is actually a sophisticated blend of Ayurveda, seasonal science, psychology, and environmental awareness, wrapped in devotion to the Sun—the ultimate source of energy.

READING NANA AND I WITH STORYWEAVERS OF PRATHAM BOOKS

  

 

As a Reading Champion, I recently received an email from Story Weaver, the digital library initiative of Pratham Books, about their new release, Nana and I. Written by Rohini Nilekani and beautifully illustrated by Niloufer Wadia, the book is available in five Indian languages.

This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between a child and their Nana, making it a perfect read for young children to share with their grandparents—or anyone who holds that special place in their lives.

Story Weaver announced a special reading challenge, inviting a little reader and their grandparent (or a grandparent-like figure) to read Nana and I together. Participants were encouraged to record a short video of the shared reading experience on Story Weaver and post it as an Instagram Story.

I happily accepted the challenge and invited a little reader from my neighborhood along with her grandfather. Together, they read Nana and I from Story Weaver's digital library, and it was truly heartwarming to see how much they enjoyed the experience. 

Those who wish to read can access the book here: @storyweaver

Here is a glimpse of that lovely reading moment: VIDEO

Viya, with her grandfather Manoharan, enjoyed reading the book, and she was happy  to give the book 100 marks

The Book of Depth by Egor Klopenko – A Treasure beneath the Waves

   

The Book of Depth by Egor Klopenko is a new gem in the ocean’s treasure, holding pearls of adventure, wisdom, curiosity, learning, thrill, exploration, and wonder — all safely secured within the folds of an oyster shell. It is an amazing work that invites readers, especially children, to dive into the mysteries of the underwater world fearlessly.

The title itself, The Book of Depth, is apt, immediately hinting at the journey deep below the sea. The cover, painted in aqua tones, radiates curiosity and wonder, perfectly setting the mood for the story inside.

Egor’s masterly storytelling — a style uniquely his own — keeps young readers on their toes as they embark on an underwater expedition. Beginning with glimpses of city life and the rustic charm of a seaside setting, the narrative smoothly transitions to the world of whales, dolphins, and humans, guiding readers into the heart of an oceanic adventure.

The story flows as calm and cool as a sea breeze, carrying readers swiftly toward the quest for an underwater city. Children’s natural joy, imagination, and playfulness are beautifully reflected in the interactions with dolphins, making the story relatable and alive.

Through libraries and museums, young readers are introduced to real-life sea explorers, diving equipment, and oceanography — from pearl divers and scuba sets to diving bells, dolphinariums, and even futuristic oceanopolises. These references create a vivid, immersive connection between the narrative and the wonders of marine life.

At its core, The Book of Depth is not just a tale of adventure but a purposeful spark — igniting creativity, curiosity, and a love for nature, the seas, and the world around us. A must-read for children who are eager to dream, explore, and imagine.

 

 In Short:

The Book of Depth by Egor Klopenko is a sparkling gem in children’s literature — full of adventure, wonder, and curiosity. With dolphins, divers, underwater cities, and ocean mysteries, Egor’s storytelling carries young readers into the deep blue world, inspiring creativity and a thirst for knowledge. A perfect read for children who love to explore!

(Received a copy of the book in advance from the author in return of an honest review)

From Kitchen to Culture: Three Remarkable Contemporary Indian Food Books

    

The three recent food books — Monsoon by Asma Khan, A Tale of Two Kitchens by Crescentia Scolt Fernandes, and Mitāhāra by Rujuta Diwekar — Let's get to  understand what each one offers and why they’re special additions to our collection:

 

 1. Monsoon — Delicious Indian Recipes for Every Day and Season

Author: Asma Khan
Published: March 2025
Genre: Cookbook, food writing, seasonal cooking
Why it’s great to own: A deeply personal, beautifully crafted cookbook that goes beyond recipes — it’s also food memoir and cultural journey.

 What the Book Is About

Monsoon is structured around India’s six seasons (including monsoon, winter, summer, etc.), rather than the usual course-by-course layout. Each chapter pairs a season with one of the six Ayurvedic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, astringent), teaching you how to balance flavour and intuition in your cooking.

It includes 80 vibrant recipes ranging from quick weeknight curries and snacks to festive spreads, drawing heavily on the author’s Bengali heritage and traditional Indian cooking techniques.

 Themes & Style

Seasonality & Intuition: Asma Khan encourages cooking with the rhythms of nature and embracing what’s available locally — inspired by the way food changes with the air, weather, and produce.

Storytelling: Interspersed with recipes are evocative memories — the sounds, smells, and flavours of Calcutta, family kitchens, and monsoon days — making it part cookbook, part memoir.

Flavor Mastery: The book also teaches basics like tempering spices, balancing heat and acidity, and confidently using Indian spice blends — so it’s both instructive and inspiring.

 Monsoon is ideal if you love *rich storytelling tied to food, soulful recipes that transport you, and want authentic Indian home-style cooking with personality.

 

 2. A Tale of Two Kitchens — A Culinary Journey through Cochin & Goa

Author: Crescentia Scolt Fernandes
Published: January 2026 (recent release)
Genre: Culinary memoir + recipe collection
Why it’s great to own: This book is a culinary archive — preserving lesser-known regional recipes, food memories, and cross-cultural influences from Goa, Kerala, and beyond.

 What Makes It Unique

This isn’t your typical cookbook with standardized recipes. Instead, it’s part memoir and part kitchen journal — tracing the author’s layered food heritage shaped by Dutch, Portuguese, Anglo-Indian, Goan and Chinese influences.

Crescentia recounts how food evolved in her family and the many tastes she grew up with, while preserving recipes that are fading from everyday kitchens.

Themes & Style

Memory & Tradition: The emphasis is on recollection — recipes sparked by childhood, festivals, village kitchens, and blended family traditions rather than culinary fads.

Regional and Rare Recipes: Expect dishes like Goan fish curry, pork vindalho, stuffed prawn recheado, chicken xacuti, and other coastal favourites — many of which are not commonly found in mainstream cookbooks.

Cultural Crossroads: Her story also reflects how foods change and adapt as they travel through communities and kitchens — capturing the quiet erosion of some traditional recipes and the joy of saving them in written form.

 A Tale of Two Kitchens is perfect if you treasure *culinary history, regional Indian cuisine, family food lore, and recipes embedded in personal narrative rather than just technique.

 

 3. Mitāhāra — Food Wisdom From My Indian Kitchen

Author: Rujuta Diwekar
Published: July 2025
Genre: Nutrition, mindful eating, food philosophy + recipes
Why it’s great to own: This book blends Indian food wisdom, mindful eating philosophy, seasonal ingredients, and simple recipes into a holistic guide to nourishment.

 What the Book Is About

Mitāhāra is rooted in the ancient Indian concept of “measured, mindful eating” — eating in harmony with the seasons, respecting food for nourishment, and honouring local culinary traditions.

Rujuta guides readers on a year-long journey through seasonal eating, pairing personal anecdotes with practical advice and wholesome recipes that celebrate Indian produce.

 Themes & Style

Seasonality: The book encourages you to embrace what’s naturally available each season (like mangoes in summer or root vegetables in winter) for health and sustainability.

Mind-Body Nutrition: It’s more than cooking — it’s a philosophy of food that nourishes the body and mind. It pairs traditional Indian food principles with modern nutritional thought.

Accessible Recipes: The focus is on simple, wholesome cooking and practical tips for everyday meals that honor tradition and well-being.

 Mitāhāra is a beautiful book if you’re interested in *healthy eating with soul, reconnecting to traditional Indian food practices, and using food as a tool for overall well-being rather than just taste alone.

 

 Summary

Book	Style	Focus	Good For
Monsoon	Cookbook + Memoir	Seasonal Indian cooking & flavour	Inspirational home cooking with depth
A Tale of Two Kitchens	Culinary memoir + recipes	Regional & heritage food stories	Cultural preservation & rare recipes
Mitāhāra	Food wisdom + nutrition	Mindful, seasonal, healthful eating	Holistic approach to food & sustainability

 

 

Which one would you like to add to your collection? Do share it in the comments.

Book Review: Salman Khan – The Sultan of Bollywood - A JOURNEY BEYOND STARDOM

  

Author : MOHAR BASU

Genre: NON FICTION

Publisher : HARPER COLLINS

Book buy link :  @Amazon

Everyone knows Salman Khan — his films, box-office hits and flops, his stardom, and the constant public opinions surrounding him. Newspapers and magazines regularly cover his birthdays, fan clubs, likes and dislikes, and the many statements he has shared through interviews and television shows. With so much already said and written, one may wonder: what more is left to know?
This book answers that question.

Salman Khan – The Sultan of Bollywood goes beyond the familiar on-screen image and brings forth the man behind the star. The book explores Salman Khan’s life outside films — how similar or different he is from his public persona, how he has struggled personally and professionally, how he has rectified his wrong steps, and how instinct has played a role in shaping his journey. What truly makes him stand out is presented not through exaggeration, but through layered narration.

Author Mohar Basu approaches the subject with sensitivity and balance, choosing observation over sensationalism. Her writing reflects careful research and an evident respect for both the subject and the reader. By maintaining a neutral, diplomatic tone, she allows Salman Khan’s journey to unfold organically, presenting facts, experiences, and perspectives without overt judgment. This restraint strengthens the credibility of the narrative and makes the book accessible even to non-fans.

The author highlights a hero’s approach towards his work, his fans, his co-workers, and the film industry at large. A significant portion of the book focuses on family — the influence and support of his father, mother, and brothers — and how deeply they matter in his life. It reinforces the idea that stardom is never a solo journey.

With nearly 300 pages spread across 10 chapters, the book openly discusses both risks and adventures Salman Khan has faced: awards, criticism, comparisons, legal battles, career pressures, and films that did not meet expectations. These aspects are brought out diplomatically, without sensationalism. Rare photographs are included as a treat for fans, adding emotional value and authenticity.

Each chapter opens with one of his famous dialogues, along with the film name and year of release — a thoughtful touch that connects readers instantly to his cinematic journey. Topics such as “age is just a number,” his intense preparation for films, attention to detail, fitness regime, discipline, and dedication towards his craft are repeatedly highlighted. His refusal to give up, his ability to fight back, and his constant effort to improve himself come through as strong life lessons for admirers.

The book also sheds light on his choice of films, his experiences with directors, his support to newcomers in the industry, and his helping nature, which quietly but consistently stands out. His image as a “Mass Hero,” his style, genre-switching ability, the lasting impact of characters like “Prem,” and his influence on both big and small screens are explored with balance.

What resonates most is his simplicity despite immense stardom. The book leaves behind an open, liberal message — that fame does not erase one’s struggles, and that growth is continuous. It presents Salman Khan as a man who lives a fairly normal life in suburban Mumbai, despite being one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema.

This book is a thorough and revealing experience — not just for fans, but also for readers who have only watched his films and wish to know the man beyond the screen. It reminds us that every individual carries experiences from the past, lives through the present, and moves forward with hopes for the future. Actions may differ, experiences may change, intentions and outcomes may vary — but if the intent is good, the journey is worth understanding.

A must-read for fans and a thoughtful exploration for anyone curious about the realities behind stardom.

(This book review is  a   part of Blogchatter's book review program : Details here : https://www.theblogchatter.com/bookchatter-terms-conditions)

LET IT RAIN

   

A tiny drop touches the earth in summer;
The dry soil feels a fresh breath of life.
Awakened by the rain’s gentle touch,
The earth smiles, gazing up in hope.
Grandeur rises in the scent of petrichor.
Rain on a dry leaf blesses it with gloss,
Shining again in its original green.
Drizzles paint flowers with color and fragrance,
And all sing softly, “Let it rain, let it rain.”

  (Please write the sponsor's name, contest title and date of poem.)

1. NETTE ONCLAUD - sponsor's name

2. LET IT RAIN poetry contest - contest title

3. Date Of  Poem - 20.1.26