On March 21, 2025, devotees across India will gather to celebrate Sheetala Saptami, a significant festival dedicated to the worship of Sheetala Mata, revered in Sanatan Dharma for her role as a protector against diseases and a grantor of well-being. Falling seven days after Holi, this festival holds a special cultural significance and is also known as Basoda in various regions.
Traditionally, devotees offer stale food to Sheetala Mata, as it is believed that this act pleases the goddess and safeguards them against infectious diseases during the seasonal transitions. In several districts of Madhya Pradesh, particularly Ujjain, Rajgarh, and Dewas, devotees have already begun to queue up since last night to perform the special puja. The long lines of devotees, seeking blessings from the goddess, are a common sight leading up to this auspicious day.
According to local customs, on Sheetala Saptami, families refrain from lighting their stoves and instead, consume the food prepared a day earlier. This ritual underscores the belief that providing cold, stale food to the goddess helps maintain physical balance and health, especially as the summer months approach. "On this day, the stove is not lit in the house, and stale food is eaten," explained a local devotee, highlighting the day's special observances.
Worshippers believe that participating in these rites not only honors Sheetala Mata but also prevents diseases like chickenpox and measles from impacting family members. Many women, in particular, partake in these rituals for the health and prosperity of their children. "Women must observe this vrat for the good health of their children and pray for their well-being," shared a local woman as she prepared to join the procession to the temple.
In preparation for the puja, devotees often bathe before sunrise and don clean clothing while bringing offerings that consist of a variety of cold dishes, from sweets to rice. These offerings are meticulously prepared the night before, showcasing the devotion and care that goes into pleasing the goddess. The early morning rituals hold immense importance among the faithful as they believe it enhances the efficacy of their prayers.
The atmosphere around Sheetala Mata Temple in Ujjain has been bustling with excitement and piety, as devotees from all walks of life come together to witness the rituals. Many families engage in collecting the offerings, chanting prayers, and participating in community prayers to invoke the goddess's blessings. It is a day steeped in tradition, where the collective energy of belief and devotion manifests visibly.
Moreover, significant precautions are observed by worshippers, with strict instructions against cooking or engaging in any activities that may disrupt the sanctity of the day. For instance, women are advised not to perform any embroidery or work that involves heat, as such actions are believed to incur the displeasure of Sheetala Mata. Many consider this a day of freedom from cooking, focusing instead on prayer and community, reinforcing spiritual and health-focused bonds.
The fervor of Sheetala Saptami is not just a religious observance; it symbolizes a deeper connection to health and well-being as devotees seek to align their lives according to the traditional wisdom that emphasizes the importance of diet and seasonal adjustments. Worshippers are confident that by adhering to these practices, they demonstrate reverence towards Sheetala Mata, ensuring protection from seasonal ailments and fostering the health of their families.
In conclusion, the festival of Sheetala Saptami reflects the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual essence of Hindu traditions, blending health, maternal affection, and religious observance into a day of community bonding. As devotees celebrate this significant day, they cling to the age-old belief that honoring Sheetala Mata has far-reaching benefits, proving that tradition still plays a vital role in modern-day life.
