Sheetala Saptami 2026: The festival of Sheetala Saptami is being celebrated across the country today. Every year, this festival is celebrated on the Saptami Tithi (seventh day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Chaitra month. However, in some places, Shitala Mata is also worshipped on the Ashtami Tithi. Sheetala Saptami or Ashtami is also known as Basoda in many places. On this day, stale food is offered to Shitala Mata, and the entire family also eats stale food prepared the day before. This festival is primarily celebrated in northern states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc. It is a religious belief that worshipping Mother Shitala on this day frees the family from illness and brings happiness and prosperity. Let's learn about the significance of worshipping Shitala Mata, the method of worship, the auspicious time for worship, and why stale food is eaten on this day...

Religious Significance of Shitala Saptami
According to religious beliefs, worshipping Mother Shitala on Shitala Saptami brings health and peace to the family. Mythology tells us that Mother Shitala protects her devotees from diseases and epidemics. Mother Shitala is often depicted riding a donkey and holding a broom, a ladle, and a pot filled with water. The broom is considered a symbol of cleanliness, while the pot of water signifies the healing of diseases. Therefore, this festival is also associated with cleanliness and health.

Shitala Saptami 2026 Today
According to the calendar, the Saptami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month begins at 11:27 pm on Monday, March 9th. This Tithi will end at 1:54 am on Wednesday, March 11th. In this context, worship on Sheetla Saptami will be performed on Tuesday, March 10th, following the Udaya Tithi.

The festival of Mata Shitala is associated with health. Mother Shitala is considered a goddess who protects against diseases. The tradition of worshipping her has been prevalent since ancient times, especially for protection against smallpox, pimples, and other infectious diseases. Due to this belief, this festival is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm in many states across the country. The Basoda Prasad typically includes puris, sweet rice, curry, vegetables, yogurt, jaggery, and other dishes. It is believed that Mother Shitala loves cold food, so stale or cold food is offered to her.

Sheetla Saptami 2026 Auspicious Yoga
An auspicious yoga called Ravi is forming on Sheetla Saptami, further enhancing the significance of this day. Ravi Yoga will last from 6:37 am to 7:05 am today. Worship and donations made during this yoga are considered especially fruitful. Therefore, devotees worship Mother Shitala on this day and pray for the health and prosperity of their families. With the presence of Rahu, Mars, Sun, and Mercury in Aquarius today, along with Ravi Yoga, several yogas are being formed, including Aditya Mangal Yoga, Budhaditya Yoga, Trigrahi Yoga, and Chaturgrahi Yoga.

Shitala Saptami Puja Muhurat 2026
5:37 AM to 6:37 AM
6:37 AM to 7:05 AM
12:08 PM to 12:55 PM

Shitala Saptami 2026 Puja Vidhi
Today, devotees wake up before Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean clothes. After this, go to the nearby Shitala Mata temple and pay obeisance to the Goddess and perform an abhishekam with Gangajal, milk, honey, and water. Then, offer the items kept in the puja plate, including roli, rice, flowers, incense, jaggery, and curd, one by one. Also, offer the five Gularis (sweet rice balls) left over from Holi to the Goddess. After this, offer all the items for the Goddess's offerings, including puris, sweet rice, stale rotis, and sweets. Now, worship the Goddess with a flour lamp and recite the story. Then, pray for the family's happiness, prosperity, and good health.

Stale food is offered to the Goddess.
In many places, Shitala Saptami is called Basoda, and fresh food is not cooked at home on this day. According to traditional beliefs, food is prepared a day in advance for the offerings to Shitala Mata and for the family, as it is customary not to light the stove on Shitala Saptami. Then, on the next day, before sunrise, Shitala Mata is worshipped, and all members of the household eat stale food. Fresh food is only available the day after Basoda. However, this fast should not be observed in homes where a member is sick with smallpox. Shitala Saptami also marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer.

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