Randhan Chhath is a unique ritual observed in Gujarat in Shravan month (July – August) - the day is dedicated to preparing food for Goddess Shitala. Randhan Chhath 2024 date is August 24 (Shravan Vad 6). Some Gujaratis observe it during Shravan Sud 6 and this is on August 10. It is observed on the sixth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) in Shravan month in Gujarat. The day is meant for preparing food (randhan) for the next day, which is Shitala Satam.
This Chhath in Shravan Krishna Paksha is not a ritual but is a preparation day for the next day. No food is cooked on Shitala Satam (the next day), people eat only what is prepared on the Randhan Chhath day.
Two Different Dates
Randhan Chhath is observed during two different times in Gujarat. In some parts of Gujarat especially that is near to Maharashtra, Shravan Shukla Paksha (Shravan Sud 6 - bright/waxing phase of moon) is preferred. In Saurashtra, Shravan Krishna Paksha (Shravan Vad 6 - dark/waning phase of moon) is preferred.Importance and How To Observe Randhan Chhath
All food for the day has to be prepared before the Chhath tithi ends. No food should be cooked on the next day. The hearth (cooking spot) should be left cool as Mata visits and bathes in the ash.
Randhan Chhath Menu
Food items that are prepared on the day are those that will stay for 24-hours. All women in the family participate in the cooking. Some people opt for spicy and fried food.The menu for the day varies from region to region. Today, apart from regional flavors people also prepare dishes that can stay outside for a couple of days.
Laddos, thepla, sweet dhebra, paratha, various types of shaak, maunthar, bajra rotla, sabudana khichadi, mamra, vada, teeka dhebra, sheera and puri are prepared on the day.
Ash in the fireplace used for cooking is left untouched
After the cooking is over on Randhan Chhath the earthen hearth is cleaned using cow dung. The ash remains in the hearth. A cotton sapling is planted in the hearth. Some curd is then placed in the cooking spot.There is a widespread belief that Goddess Shitala Mata resides in the ash and she will roll on the ash and will bless the household.