Rathasapthami is observed on the seventh day of the Magha Masa as per Telugu Calendar at the Tirupati Balaji Temple. Rathasapthami 2012 date is February 19. The day is also known as Surya Jayanti. At Tirupati Balaji Temple, this saptami is also known as Mini Brahmotsavams, as the processional deity of Malayappa Swamy (Sri Venkateswara or Balaji) takes a ride on seven vahanams or vehicles.
The most important event on the day is witnessing the rare sight of the first rays of the Sun falling on the forehead of Balaji mounted on the Golden Surya Prabha Vahanam on the morning of Magh Saptami. This event will be witnessed from the north-west corner of the temple.On the day, Balaji gives darshan to devotees on the day mounted atop seven different vahanams (vehicles) including Surya Prabha, Chinnasesha, Garuda Vahanam, Hanumanta Vahanam, Kalpavriksha, Sarvabhoopala and Chandraprabha. Devotees can get a glimpse of the Venkateshwara atop each Vahana along the four mada streets at Tirupati.
On the Ratha Saptami day, Surya (Sun God) riding chariot drawn by seven horses is worshipped. It is said that the earth's inclination towards the sun is steepest on the Ratha Saptami day.