Sheetala Saptami 2026 Date, Rituals, Significance & Regional Celebrations

 

Date

• Sheetala Saptami 2026: March 10, Tuesday (Chaitra Krishna Paksha Saptami).
• Second observance: Shravana Shukla Paksha Saptami (July–August 2026).
• Of the two, the Chaitra observance is considered most important.

Rituals

• Morning Bath: Devotees bathe in cold water early morning.
• Temple Visit: Worship of Sheetala Mata in temples, offering prayers for protection from diseases.
• Food Tradition:
• No cooking on this day.
• Devotees consume food prepared the previous day.
• Eating hot food is strictly prohibited.
• Mundan Ceremony: Some devotees perform head-shaving (mundan) in honor of the goddess.
• Vrat (Fasting):
• Women especially observe fasts for the well-being of children.
• Rituals for peace, prosperity, and protection.

Significance

• Scriptural Reference: Mentioned in the Skanda Purana.
• Goddess Sheetala Mata:
• Considered an incarnation of Parvati/Durga.
• Goddess of Smallpox & Chickenpox, representing nature’s healing power.
• Meaning of Sheetala: “Coolness” – believed to provide relief to devotees suffering from contagious diseases.
• Regional Variations:
• Worshipped as Poleramma in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Worshipped as Mariamman in Tamil Nadu.
• Similar festival in Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh: Polala Amavasya.
• Beliefs:
• Protects families, especially children, from epidemics.
• Ensures health, prosperity, and peace.
• Traditional Practices: In some rural regions, animal sacrifice (Janthu Bali) is still offered to appease the goddess.