Celebrating Randhan Chath and Shitla Satam Special at Zeel’s Kitchen

Randhan Chath and Shitla Satam are deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Gujarat and several other Indian states. These festivals mark the convergence of tradition, spirituality, and culinary heritage, where the significance of food extends beyond sustenance. In this blog post, we explore the essence of these festivals, why Gujaratis embrace “thanda” (cold food), and share some timeless recipes that make these celebrations special, especially focusing on Shitla Satam special dishes. Here is the YouTube playlist. 

Significance of Randhan Chath and Shitla Satam

Randhan Chath observed a day before Shitla Satam, a unique festival where cooking is done in advance for the next day. Shitla Satam, dedicated to Goddess Shitla, is a day when no cooking is done. Instead, devotees consume the food prepared on Randhan Chath, known as “thanda” food.

Goddess Shitla is revered as the goddess of smallpox and diseases. The practice of not cooking on Shitla Satam is a symbolic gesture to give rest to the kitchen fire and to honor the goddess, seeking her blessings for health and protection. The cool food, known as Shitla Satam special food, is believed to pacify the goddess and prevent the spread of diseases, reflecting a deep understanding of hygiene and health in ancient times.

Why Do We Eat Thanda in Gujarat?

In Gujarat, the tradition of eating thanda (cold) food on Shitla Satam has both religious and practical reasons. Historically, the festival falls during the monsoon season, a time when there is a higher risk of waterborne diseases. Eating food that was prepared the previous day minimized the risk of contamination from water and other sources.

Moreover, the consumption of thanda food is also a form of penance and discipline, reflecting a lifestyle of simplicity and humility. The practice serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting natural forces and the divine, ensuring the well-being of the community. The Shitla Satam special dishes are carefully chosen to be both delicious and symbolic of this tradition.

How Shitla Satam is Celebrated in Gujarat and Beyond

In Gujarat, Shitla Satam is observed with great devotion. Families wake up early on Randhan Chath to prepare a variety of dishes that will be consumed the next day. The food prepared is usually simple yet rich in flavor, including dishes like Kuler, Bajra Vada, Mohanthal, and Kheer, which are considered Shitla Satam special. The next day, on Shitla Satam, families offer prayers to Goddess Shitla and then enjoy the pre-cooked food together.

This tradition is not limited to Gujarat. In Rajasthan, Shitla Ashtami (another name for the festival) is celebrated with similar rituals. Women prepare food a day in advance and offer it to the goddess. In Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh, the festival is known as Sheetla Saptami, and devotees observe fasts and offer food to the poor.

Each state adds its unique flavor to the celebration, but the underlying theme remains the same: honoring Goddess Shitla and promoting health and well-being through Shitla Satam special practices and dishes.

Recipe Collection for Shitla Satam Special : 

Here is the playlist for some traditional recipes that are cherished during Randhan Chath and Shitla Satam:

Kuler Ladoo

Kuler Ladoo or Kuler na Ladva or Bajra ni Kuler is a popular and authentic Indian Gujarati sweet dessert made with just 3-ingredients – Bajra/Pearl millet flour, jaggery and ghee/clarified butter. The perfect ghee and jaggery ratio in the recipe will give you a nice ladoo texture and balanced sweetness.

Bajra/Pearl millet flour is very healthy and nutritious for Expecting moms, adults, and growing kids. Bajra is a rich source of insoluble fiber acting as prebiotic in our gut, which helps in keeping digestion on-check and also avoid overeating. It manages diabetes, aids in weight loss, and keeps the heart-healthy. Bajra is rich in iron, calcium, omega-3, phosphorus, and essential phytochemicals. Click here for the recipe Card  

Bajra Vada or Pearl Millet Fritters :

Bajra Vada or Pearl Millet Fritters is a traditional Gujarati savory snack recipe made from pearl millet flour (bajra flour), Kasuri methi, and a few spices. It is similar to the Indian flatbread cutlet/vada round small in shape that is deep-fried in oil. Bajri na vada is a perfect snack for the Sitla Satam festival and Kali Chaudash (Narka Chaturdashi) festival. 

Traditionally Bajra Vada is prepared on the day of Randhan Chhath (2 days before Janmashthami) so that people can eat them during the Shitla Satam festival. It is because igniting the gas stove and cooking a fresh meal is not allowed on that day, and everyone has to eat food made a day before.

People make Bajri na vada on the day of Kali Chaudash (once day before Diwali) to perform that day’s special religious customs. Click here for the recipe card.

Mohanthal :

Hey Guys, today, I am sharing with you a recipe that is very close to my heart, which is MOHANTHAL. This recipe will remind you of the taste of Prasad of the Ambaji temple. Mohanthal is a traditional festive special recipe popular across Gujarat and Rajasthan. Mohanthal is a sweet made from Gram Flour(Coarse Besan), Ghee(Clarified Butter), Milk, Sugar, Water, Cardamom and Nutmeg powder, and Nuts. This recipe is gluten-free.

This traditional Indian sweet Mohanthal offered to Hindu God and Goddesses as Prashad. Mohanthal has been the favorite sweet of Lord Krishna. The name Mohanthal came from words – Mohan means Lord Krishna and Thal means Sweet dish or Bhog or Prashad. This recipe is similar to Besan Burfi and Mysore Pak, but it has grainy-rough and melt-in-mouth texture like a dense classic Indian style fudge recipe. The preparation method is also different. Click Here for Recipe Card.

Dudhi Thepla ( Lauki Thepla):

Ayurveda mentioned lots of benefits of Lauki. Dudhi or lauki is easily digestible and one of the best cooling agents for our body. It contains lots of vitamins and minerals too. That’s the reason every mom wants to make her child eat lauki in any form. “ Dudhi Thepla” one of the best dish from Gujarati cuisine. You will love the tangy taste of curd and crunch of sesame while having it. This is a healthy tea time snack too. For variations can prepare the same recipe with methi leaves. Even you can use Bajra or Juwar flour along with whole wheat flour. Click here for recipe card

Below is the complete list of other recipes :

Do try these Shitla Satam Special Recipes and let me know in the comment section. If you like these Festival special recipes, then share them with your friends and family. Do not forget to follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to catch my latest updates. Stay healthy and Safe. Happy Cooking!!!