Sheetla Mata Vrat Katha

In ancient times, two neighbors lived in a town. One was a devotee of Sheetla Mata while the other did not believe. On Sheetla Saptami, the devotee prepared food the previous day because the stove must not be lit on this day. She ate the stale food (basoda) and worshipped the Goddess. The other neighbor mocked her, saying what good could come from eating stale food. She cooked fresh food and lit her stove. Sheetla Mata was angered. The non-believing neighbor\'s entire family was struck with smallpox and fever. The children fell ill and the household was thrown into chaos. When she saw that the devotee\'s family remained healthy and happy, she realized her mistake. She begged Sheetla Mata for forgiveness and vowed to observe the fast. The Goddess was pleased and cured her family of all diseases. Since then, people observe Sheetla Mata\'s vrat and eat food prepared the previous day. The Goddess grants coolness and protects from diseases.

Observe the fast on the first Monday or Thursday after Holi. Prepare food the day before and eat stale (cold) food on the fasting day. Do not light the stove. Worship Sheetla Mata and listen to the katha.

Sheetla Mata's vrat is observed for protection from diseases and to receive the Goddess's cooling grace. She protects from smallpox and other infectious diseases.