Shitala Satam 2024 Date, Time, and Significance

Goddess Shitala Devi

Shitala Satam is an important day in the Gujarati calendar, dedicated to Goddess Shitala, who is believed to protect her devotees and their families from diseases. The day is marked with special rituals, particularly in Gujarat, where families observe Shitala Satam to seek the blessings of Goddess Shitala for health and well-being.

Shitala Satam 2024 Date and Time
In 2024, Shitala Satam falls on Sunday, August 25. The Puja Muhurat, the most auspicious time to perform rituals, is from 05:57 AM to 06:51 PM, lasting for 12 hours and 54 minutes. The Saptami Tithi, the seventh day of the lunar fortnight, will begin at 05:30 AM on August 25 and will end at 03:39 AM on August 26.

Significance and Rituals of Shitala Satam
The most significant ritual on Shitala Satam is that no fresh food is cooked on this day. Instead, families consume cold and stale food, which is prepared the previous day during an event known as Randhan Chhath. This tradition is rooted in the belief that Goddess Shitala prefers coolness, and offering cold food is a way to honour her.

Shitala Satam is similar in concept to Basoda and Sheetala Ashtami, which are observed in North India after Holi. The name "Shitala" comes from the Sanskrit word "shital," meaning coolness or coldness. Mata Shitala is revered as a goddess associated with health and wellness, believed to protect her devotees from various skin diseases, fevers, and illnesses that cause heat and discomfort.

Puja Rituals for Shitala Satam

1. Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early and take a holy bath to purify themselves.
2. House Cleaning: The house and the puja room are cleaned thoroughly.
3. Food Preparation: Special food items such as Malpua and Halwa are prepared the day before and are offered to Goddess Shitala.
4. Temple Visit: Women usually visit nearby temples to perform puja to Mata Shitala.
5. Offering Essentials: Devotees bring milk mixed with water, prepared bhog (food offering), ghee, an earthen lamp, incense sticks, and flowers to the temple.
6. Puja Ritual: The idol of Mata Shitala is bathed, adorned with a garland of yellow or white flowers, and a diya (lamp) is lit with desi ghee. Incense sticks are lit, and the prepared bhog is offered to the goddess.
7. Special Prayers: Those suffering from any illness, heat-related issues, or skin problems are especially encouraged to visit the Sheetala Mata Temple and offer prayers for healing and relief.