Sheetala Ashtami, or Basoda Puja, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Sheetala. It is observed primarily in North India and holds immense spiritual and cultural importance. Devotees observe this day by worshipping Goddess Sheetala and seeking protection from diseases and epidemics.
In 2025, Sheetala Ashtami falls on 22nd of March. Observing this festival with devotion is believed to bring health, prosperity, and divine blessings. Let’s explore the date, Basoda Puja Muhurat, rituals, and significance of this auspicious day.
Sheetala Ashtami 2025 Date & Basoda Puja Muhurat
As per the Hindu Panchang, Sheetala Ashtami is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami Tithi) of the Krishna Paksha in Chaitra. The day usually falls after Holi and is observed with great devotion, especially in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana.
- Sheetala Ashtami 2025 Date: 22nd of March, 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 04:25 AM on 21st of March, 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 05:24 AM on 23rd of March, 2025
- Basoda Puja Muhurat: 06:24 AM to 06:34 PM
Note: The puja timings may vary depending on your location. It is advisable to consult a local priest or panchang for accurate muhurat timings.
Significance of Sheetala Ashtami
Sheetala Ashtami is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, who is believed to protect devotees from infections, diseases, and epidemics. The festival emphasises hygiene, cleanliness, and consuming stale or pre-cooked food, which symbolises preventing food contamination and promoting immunity.
Why Is It Called Basoda Puja?
The festival is also known as Basoda Puja. On Sheetala Ashtami, families prepare food a day in advance and consume only cold or stale food. This tradition symbolises reverence for Sheetala Mata and prevents diseases caused by contaminated or hot food.
Sheetala Ashtami 2025 Rituals & Puja Vidhi
Devotees follow several rituals on Sheetala Ashtami to seek blessings and protection. Here are the key rituals observed on this auspicious day:
1. Observing Fast
Many devotees observe a Sheetala Ashtami vrat (fast) to seek good health and disease protection. Some people eat only pre-cooked food (Basoda), while others observe a complete fast.
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2. Worshipping Goddess Sheetala
- Devotees wake up early and visit Sheetala Mata temples for puja.
- Sheetala Mata’s idol is bathed with cold water and adorned with turmeric, sandalwood, and flowers.
- Special offerings like curd, jaggery, and stale food items (Basoda) are made.
3. Consuming Pre-Cooked Food (Basoda)
- The food for Sheetala Ashtami is prepared a day before and consumed cold on the festival day.
- Popular dishes include Puri, Gulgule (sweet dumplings), Boondi, Chana, and Rice.
- Cooking is avoided today as a mark of respect for Goddess Sheetala.
4. Sprinkling Sacred Water
Devotees sprinkle sacred water (Gangajal) and turmeric water around their homes to purify their surroundings and prevent diseases.
5. Charity & Donations
- Offering food, clothes, and essential items to the needy is considered auspicious.
- Feeding Brahmins, cows, and birds is also part of the Sheetala Ashtami rituals.
Regions Where Sheetala Ashtami is Celebrated
While the festival is popular across India, it is widely observed in:
- Rajasthan & Gujarat – Devotees visit Sheetala Mata temples for puja and offer Basoda food.
- Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh – People follow strict fasting and temple visits.
- Haryana & Delhi – Families perform puja at home and avoid cooking food on this day.
Conclusion
Sheetala Ashtami 2025 is a day of devotion, purity, and prayers for good health. Sincerity and faith in observing the Basoda Puja are believed to bring divine blessings, prosperity, and protection from illnesses.
May Goddess Sheetala bless everyone with good health and well-being on this auspicious day!
Are you planning to observe Sheetala Ashtami 2025? Share your thoughts and traditions in the comments below!
