Sheetala Saptami 2026: What To Do and What To Avoid While Worshipping Goddess Sheetala

The festival of Sheetala Saptami is being observed on March 10 this year. The day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Sheetala, who is believed in Hindu tradition to protect families from diseases and ensure peace and well being in the household.

According to the Hindu calendar, the fast is observed on the Saptami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals seeking blessings for good health and protection from seasonal illnesses.

Religious beliefs associate Goddess Sheetala with protection against diseases such as smallpox, measles, boils and other skin related ailments.

Auspicious rituals on Sheetala Saptami

Astrologers said several rituals performed on this day are considered auspicious.

According to them devotees should begin the day with a ritual bath and offer prayers to Goddess Sheetala. Sweet rice made with jaggery or sugarcane juice is traditionally offered to the deity during worship.

Neem leaves are also offered during the puja. Religious belief holds that neem leaves please the goddess and provide protection from skin related diseases.

Devotees also chant the mantra “Om Hreem Shreem Sheetalaye Namah” 108 times on the day. Reciting the Sheetala Mata fast story and stotra is also considered auspicious.

Donating food, clothes or grains to the needy is believed to bring happiness, prosperity and good health to the family.

Some traditions also include offering curd and rice to Goddess Sheetala while praying for family welfare.

Traditions and rules observed on the day

Several customs are followed during the observance of Sheetala Saptami.

Fresh food is traditionally not prepared on this day. Devotees usually cook the food a day earlier and offer the same to the goddess during the ritual.

People also avoid sewing, embroidery, needlework and the use of scissors on the day.

Devotees are advised to stay away from tamasic food and intoxicants as part of the observance.

There is also a traditional practice in some regions of not lighting lamps or incense sticks during the worship of Goddess Sheetala.

Astrologers says the festival highlights the importance of cleanliness, discipline and health. According to them, devotees believe that sincere worship of Goddess Sheetala brings peace, happiness and well being to the family.