By Bhagwan Prasad Gaur, Udaipur
Udaipur, March 11, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): In Indian culture, every festival and tradition carries a deeper social, religious, and health-related message. One such meaningful tradition is the observance of Sheetla Saptami and Ashtami, during which people eat cold food prepared a day earlier. This custom has been followed for centuries, yet in today’s modern lifestyle it is gradually being forgotten. As a result, traditional wisdom is weakening while society is increasingly becoming accustomed to packaged foods that remain stored for months and offer very little nutrition.
On the occasion of Sheetla Saptami and Ashtami, devotees worship Mata Sheetla. According to tradition, the kitchen fire is not lit on this day and families consume food that was prepared the previous day. Traditional dishes such as puri, pakodi, sweet rice, curd, and lapsi are commonly prepared. This practice is not merely a symbol of religious faith but also carries a message related to health and discipline.
In earlier times, people gave their cooking hearth a day of rest during this festival. This also encouraged households to focus on cleanliness and maintenance of the kitchen. At the same time, it conveyed a social message about avoiding food wastage and learning to live a balanced life with limited resources. Food prepared a day earlier, if stored properly and maintained with hygiene, is not harmful to the body. Instead, it teaches respect for food and the importance of restraint.
Unfortunately, in the present era many people are drifting away from this meaningful tradition. The practice of eating cold food on Sheetla Saptami–Ashtami is often dismissed as eating “stale” food. However, at the same time, people readily consume packaged food items that remain stored for months. Products such as cakes, bread, biscuits, snacks, and other processed foods available in the market often contain chemicals and preservatives to extend their shelf life. These foods usually have low nutritional value and regular consumption may negatively affect health.
It is indeed a contradiction that people are abandoning their traditions without understanding their scientific and cultural significance, while readily accepting market-driven food habits that may be more harmful. In Indian culture, food is considered the blessing of “Annapurna,” and people are taught to consume it with respect and balance.
The need of the time is to understand the message behind such traditions instead of dismissing them as superstition. Festivals like Sheetla Saptami and Ashtami inspire simplicity, discipline, and awareness about health. If these cultural values are embraced once again, not only will traditions remain alive but society may also move towards a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.