When is Sheetala Ashtami in 2025?

Sheetala Ashtami, also known as Basoda Puja, holds great significance in Hindu culture. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival is observed on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra. This year, Sheetala Ashtami will be observed on March 22, 2025 (Saturday).

On this day, devotees worship Sheetala Mata, the goddess of health and cleanliness, and offer stale food as a ritual. It is believed that observing this festival protects devotees from diseases and infections.

Significance of Sheetala Ashtami

🔹 Sheetala Mata is worshiped as the goddess of hygiene and disease prevention.
🔹 It is believed that praying to her helps in warding off infections such as smallpox and measles.
🔹 The festival marks the transition from winter to summer, a time when health issues are common.

Why is Stale Food Offered on Sheetala Ashtami?

According to religious beliefs, Sheetala Mata prefers stale food, which is why devotees do not light a fire for cooking on this day. Instead, all food is prepared a day in advance.

Scientific Reason Behind Eating Stale Food

🔹 March marks the shift from winter to summer, increasing the risk of infections.
🔹 Eating cool, pre-cooked food can help prevent stomach-related issues.
🔹 It is believed that stale food helps regulate body temperature, preventing heat-related illnesses.

Foods Offered to Sheetala Mata

The traditional offerings include:
✔️ Sweet rice (Meetha Chawal)
✔️ Salt-free puris
✔️ Malpua and pakoras
✔️ Kadhi and roasted chickpeas (Chana Dal)
✔️ Halwa and jaggery sweets

On this day, families eat the same food that was prepared the previous night and refrain from cooking fresh meals.

Would you like a detailed puja vidhi (ritual guide) for Sheetala Ashtami? 😊