Surya Shashti is the festival dedicated to Surya Bhagawan (Sun God). In 2014, Surya Shashti date is August 31. Surya Sashti is celebrated on the sixth day in Shukla Paksha during Bhadrapad month.
Though Shukla Paksha Sashti and Saptami are dedicated to Sun God, Bhadapad Shukla Sashti is more auspicious to worship Surya Bhagawan. Ratha Sapthami, Bhanu Saptami and Surya Sashti which comes on Kartik Shukla Sashti (Dala Chat) are other main festivals dedicated to Surya Bhagawan.
During the festival of Surya Sashti, devotees start worshipping Surya Bhagawan before theSunrise. Performers of Surya Shashti Vrata keep fasting on the day and take meal after the puja completes.
Aditya Hrudayam and other Surya Stotras or prayers are recited during the observance of Surya Sashti.
Surya Sashti is celebrated with utmost festivity in Surya Bhagawan temple at Konark in Orissa, Arasuvilli Surya Devalayam in Andhra Pradesh and Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat.