Sheetala Saptami: Know all the associated rituals, significance and dates here

Sheetala Saptami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India on the seventh day after Holi, one day before Sheetala Ashtami. It falls on the Saptami Tithi Krishna Paksha in the months of Phalguna/Chaitra. The festival is observed in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and some parts of South India.

In 2023, Sheetala Saptam will be observed on March 14, which falls on Tuesday. The auspicious time for Sheetala Saptami Puja will be from 6.23 am to 6.32 pm on March 14. The Saptami Tithi will commence on March 13 at 7.57 pm and conclude on March 14, 2023, at 6.52 pm.

The most significant custom on this day is that no fresh food is cooked. Devotees abstain from cooking and only consume food that was prepared a day prior. They wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and visit Sheetala Mata’s temple to seek her blessings. Various pujas and rituals are performed, and devotees offer prayers to the Goddess for a joyous, healthy, and peaceful life. Women observe a day-long fast for the well-being of their family members.


According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Sheetala is an incarnation of Goddess Durga and Maa Parvati. She represents the healing power of nature and is said to control diseases like smallpox, chickenpox, measles etc.

The term Sheetala means 'coolness' or 'cool' in Sanskrit. Devotees worship and offer prayers to the deity to remain safe and protected from diseases on this auspicious day. The festival is described in the Skanda Purana and is an essential part of Hindu culture.

FAQ

Q1. When is Sheetala Saptami celebrated?
A: It is celebrated seven days after Holi.

Q2. What are the rituals and beliefs associated with Sheetala Saptami?
A: The day is observed with a fast, a visit to the temple, a reading of Vrat Katha, and abstaining from cooking fresh food.