food and the body
What is the tradition of Shashthi Puja food offerings and why are certain foods given to new mothers and infants?
Shashthi and the sixth day
Shashthi Devi is a goddess believed to protect children and watch over their health and safety. On the sixth day after a baby is born, families perform a puja, or prayer ritual, to honor her and ask for her blessing. This day marks an important moment in the family's life. The ritual welcomes the child into the household and community. It is also a time to care for the mother, who has just given birth.
Foods for the new mother
In the weeks after childbirth, the tradition gives the mother specific foods believed to help her recover. These often include ghee, which is seen as nourishing and warming. Dry fruits like dates, raisins, and almonds are common. Certain grains, warm milk, and foods made with sesame are also traditional. The idea is that the body has lost heat and strength during birth and needs warm, rich, easy-to-digest foods to rebuild. These foods are often prepared with care by family members and given in small, frequent meals. The exact foods vary by region, family, and what is available.
Why these foods are chosen
Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, describes a post-natal period called Sutika. During this time, the body is seen as depleted and needing special care. Foods are chosen to be warming, grounding, and easy to digest. Ghee is valued for its ability to nourish deeply. Dry fruits and sesame add richness and warmth. Spices like turmeric and ginger are often added to foods for their warming qualities. The tradition sees this diet as helping the mother regain strength, support milk production, and recover emotionally as well as physically.
In practice today
Many families still follow these customs, especially in India and among the diaspora. Some keep the full tradition, while others adapt it to what is available or what the mother prefers. In hospitals and modern settings, the ritual may happen at home a few days later. The foods given may be simpler or mixed with modern nutrition ideas. The core idea—that a new mother needs special, nourishing food and family care—remains strong across most households. How strictly families follow the details varies by region, generation, and personal choice.