Sheetala Ashtami 2026 Date, Rituals, Basoda Puja Significance & Regional Celebrations

 

Date

• Sheetala Ashtami 2026: March 11, Wednesday (Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami).
• Observed eight days after Holi, though in some communities it may fall on the first Monday or Thursday after Holi.
• Of all monthly observances, the Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami is considered most auspicious.

Rituals

• No Cooking Tradition:
• Families prepare food a day in advance.
• On Ashtami, only stale food (Basoda) is consumed and offered to the goddess.
• Morning Bath & Temple Visit:
• Devotees bathe before sunrise and visit Sheetala Mata temples.
• Offerings include haldi (turmeric), bajra (millet), rabri, curd, and other items.
• Basoda Vrat Katha:
• Devotees listen to the Basoda Vrat Katha narrating the significance of the vrat.
• Prasad Distribution:
• The prepared food is offered to the goddess, then consumed as Basoda Prasad throughout the day.
• Food is also shared with devotees and distributed to the poor.
• Scriptural Reading:
• Reading of Sheetalashtak (Stotra by Lord Shiva) is considered highly auspicious.

Significance

• Goddess Sheetala Mata:
• Depicted seated on a donkey, holding neem leaves, broom, soup, and a pot.
• Revered as the goddess who controls chickenpox, measles, smallpox, and epidemic diseases.
• Scriptural Mention:
• Detailed in the Skanda Purana.
• Worship of Sheetala Mata is believed to prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases, especially among children.
• Regional Celebrations:
• Rajasthan: Grand fairs, musical events, and cultural programs.
• Gujarat & Uttar Pradesh: Celebrated with fervor and devotion.
• Belief:
• Observing the vrat ensures protection from diseases, family well-being, and blessings of Sheetala Mata.