Question 1

When is Sharkara Saptami observed?

Accepted Answer

Sharkara Saptami falls on Saptami, the seventh lunar day, in Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight, of Vaishakha. The day is governed by the Saptami tithi running at sunrise, so the Gregorian date changes from year to year and should be checked annually.

Question 2

Which deity is worshipped on Sharkara Saptami?

Accepted Answer

Sharkara Saptami is associated with Surya Bhagavan, the revered Lord represented by the Sun. Its characteristic rite is worship of Surya with sugar placed in a kumbha, or ritual vessel, followed by donation of that sugar.

Question 3

How do I observe Sharkara Saptami at home?

Accepted Answer

Place sugar in a clean kumbha or vessel, set it before an image or representation of Surya, and offer water, flowers, incense, and a lamp during a simple puja. Afterward, donate the sugar as dana, or charitable giving, following the household or local custom.

Question 4

Is fasting required on Sharkara Saptami?

Accepted Answer

No single fasting rule can be stated with confidence for all households observing Sharkara Saptami. A family may keep a light or restrained diet, but fasting should follow its established custom rather than being assumed as a universal requirement.

Question 5

What should be offered on Sharkara Saptami?

Accepted Answer

The most distinctive offering is sugar placed in a ritual vessel and then given in donation. Water, flowers, incense, and a lamp are suitable supporting offerings in a simple Surya puja, while additional foods or regional preparations should be included only where local practice supports them.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Tue, 14 May, 2024	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 4 May, 2025	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 23 Apr, 2026	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 12 May, 2027	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 1 May, 2028	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 20 May, 2029	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 10 May, 2030	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Tue, 29 Apr, 2031	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 16 May, 2032	ShuklaShukla Saptami	Vaishakha	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Sharkara Saptami

Dates by year