Ratha Saptami is a major day for the worship of the Sun God, but day before this festival, there is a unique tradition of worshipping the gas stove, hearth, or cooking range in every household. This tradition is also called 'Chula Pujan'. This year, Ratha Saptami falls on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, to be sure to read this information and make use of it.
Why worship on the eve of Ratha Saptami?
On Ratha Saptami, Lord Surya is believed to travel in his chariot, and devotees traditionally offer him 'kheer.' The stove used to prepare this offering is worshipped on the festival's eve to express gratitude to the fire deity.The religious and scientific reasons behind this:
Respecting fire means recognizing its importance for cooking and energy, as it's believed to hold a piece of the sun's power in our homes. Keeping the stove clean and sacred, particularly when making offerings to the Sun God on Ratha Saptami, helps create a lucky and pure kitchen. This custom comes from a wider cultural respect for the five elements, including fire, seeing them as divine and appreciating them for the nourishment they give us.
Also Read: Ratha Saptami 2026: Date, Importance, and How to Make Traditional Kheer Prasad
How to perform the puja?
On the evening of the day before Ratha Saptami, thoroughly clean the gas stove or hearth. Apply turmeric and vermilion powder to it, and apply sandalwood paste. Offer flowers and wave incense sticks. In some places, a rangoli is drawn around the stove, and people bow to it and offer prayers for the offering to be prepared the next day.