Basoda 2026 Today: The festival of Basoda, also known as Sheetala Ashtami, is being celebrated with great pomp across the country today. Every year, this festival is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Chaitra. However, in some places, Sheetala Mata is worshipped on the Saptami Tithi (seventh day). The day of Basoda Puja is primarily dedicated to Mata Shitala, who is considered the goddess who protects against diseases. On this day, stale food is offered to Shitala Mata, and the entire family also eats stale food prepared the day before. On this day, devotees observe a fast and pray to Mata Shitala, praying for their family's good health and freedom from diseases. Let's learn about the significance of Basoda, the ritual, the auspicious time for worship, and the Aarti of Shitala Mata…

What is the significance of Sheetala Ashtami?
The main purpose of Sheetala Ashtami is to pray for good health and protection from diseases. It is believed that with the blessings of Mata Shitala, the family is freed from illness, and happiness and prosperity prevail in the home. On this day, cold food is offered to Goddess Shitala. According to religious tradition, the stove is not lit in the house on Sheetala Ashtami. Food is prepared and stored the day before, on the seventh day, and on the eighth day. This cold food is offered to the Goddess and consumed as Prasad. According to religious beliefs, worshipping Goddess Shitala protects from smallpox, fever, and other infectious diseases. Therefore, this fast is observed with great devotion and faith in many parts of India.

Sheetala Ashtami Worship Method
On Sheetala Ashtami, one wakes up early in the morning, takes a bath, and cleans the house. Afterward, visit the nearby Mata Shitala temple and perform ablution with milk, Ganga water, and water, followed by a tilak of turmeric. Afterward, offer Shitala Mata the items associated with the puja, such as fruits, flowers, a sari, and unbroken rice grains. Also, offer the five Gularis saved from Holi to the Goddess. Stale or cold food items such as puris, halwa, yogurt, sweet rice, jaggery, and other delicacies are offered as offerings. The story of Shitala Mata is then heard or read, and prayers are offered for the family's well-being, prosperity, and health. In many places, worship is also performed at the site where Holika Dahan is performed.

Shitala Ashtami Puja Muhurat 2026
4:58 AM to 6:36 AM
12:08 PM to 1:55 PM

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