Shitala Satam (Sheetala Satam) is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Shitala, revered as the protector against fever, smallpox, and other diseases. It falls during Shravan month, typically just before Krishna Janmashtami, and involves unique fasting and hygiene rituals.
📅 When in 2025?
- Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- In regions like Gujarat, it's commonly observed on Shravan Vad 7 (the seventh day of the waning moon) For example, DrikPanchang lists it on August 14, but widely it aligns with August 15 ceremonies
🌼 Significance
- Goddess Shitala is venerated as the one who “cools”—she is believed to ward off viral fevers, pox, and relief from epidemic ailments.
- The observance emphasizes cleanliness—both spiritual and physical, and hygiene as a protective practice
- Most celebrated in Gujarat and parts of North India, the festival centers on children’s health and community well-
·
🧘 Rituals and Traditions
- Randhan Chhath (Day before):
- Families prepare all food in advance—no cooking on Shitala Satam day
- No Cooking on Day:
- All meals are cold or stale, preserving them overnight — honoring Shitala’s cooling aspect
- Morning Ritual:
- Early cold water bath, house cleaning, and idol or image installation of Shitala Mata
- Offerings (Naivedya):
- Offer the pre‑cooked food, curd, rabri, fruits, rice dishes, millet rotlas, etc..
- Puja & Aarti:
- Perform 16-step (Shodashopachara) puja, recite Shitala Stotra/Katha, light diyas—often made of flour
- Fasting:
- Devotees typically eat only the previous day’s food, sometimes one meal only
- Story (Vrat Katha):
- Narratives from the Bhavishyottara Purana and Skanda Purana describe Shubhakari’s devotion leading to blessings and disease relief
🎁 Benefits & Spiritual Meaning
- Health protection, particularly for children—warding off fevers and pox
- Upholds familial and community hygiene, reinforcing well-being Encourages faith in divine healing, self-discipline, and collective responsibility.
📍 How It’s Observed Regionally
- In Gujarat, emphasis is on Randhan Chhath and Shitala Satam cycle
- In North Indian regions, it's often called Sheetala Saptami or Ashtami, with similar rituals
- Extended worship includes visiting Shitala Mata temples, sharing food with the needy, and communal prayers
✅ Quick Guide for August 15, 2025
|
Step |
What to Do |
|
Aug 14 |
Prepare all food—rice, rotis, sweets, curds—for the next day |
|
Aug 15 Morning |
Cold bath, puja setup, offer food to Shitala Mata |
|
Puja |
Perform Shodashopachara, recite mantra/Katha, light lamp made of flour |
|
Meal |
Share cold/stale prasad; refrain from cooking |
|
Fasting |
Observe one meal only; maintain discipline |
|
Community |
Donate food to poor; visit temples if possible |