Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comSheetala Ashtami (Basoda)
Sheetala Ashtami is observed on Chaitra Krishna Ashtami, eight days after Holi, the day on which Mata Sheetala is worshipped and offered food prepared and kept overnight from the day before.
This festival falls exactly eight days after Holi, and is also called 'Basoda' because stale food (prepared the day before) is eaten on this day. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda)
Mata Sheetala is regarded as the goddess of coolness, cleanliness, and health, and is worshipped especially for protection from pox, measles, and other skin ailments. It is believed that her grace calms the severity of these afflictions and brings coolness to the body.
Mata Sheetala is depicted riding a donkey, holding a broom in one hand, and a winnowing fan and a pot of cool water in the other. The broom and winnowing fan symbolize cleanliness, reflecting the importance of hygiene in warding off disease.
On this day, food is cooked a day in advance, that is, on Saptami itself, and the hearth is not lit at home on Ashtami, only stale, cold food is eaten. This tradition is regarded as symbolic of bringing the spirit of coolness into daily life.
How Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) Is Celebrated
Women prepare dishes like puri, pua, sweet rice, and rabdi on the evening of Saptami for the next day, and on Ashtami morning, after bathing, offer this same stale food to Mata Sheetala without lighting the hearth.
Women gather in groups at Sheetala Mata's temple or shrine in the village or neighborhood, offer worship, present cool water and stale food, and listen to the legend of Mata Sheetala.
After the puja, the same stale food is shared with the family as prasad. In some places, special prayers are also offered at Mata Sheetala's feet, wishing for children to remain healthy.
Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) Puja Vidhi
On the evening of Saptami, prepare food in advance for the next day. On Ashtami morning, bathe and worship Mata Sheetala without lighting the hearth, offer her the stale food and cool water, and after listening to the legend, eat the same food as prasad.
About Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda)
Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) is the festival observed on Chaitra Krishna Ashtami, eight days after Holi, in which Mata Sheetala is worshipped and offered stale food. This page covers the festival's significance, Mata Sheetala's form, and the tradition of the stale-food offering.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sheetala Ashtami observed?
Sheetala Ashtami is observed every year on Chaitra Krishna Ashtami, exactly eight days after Holi.
Why is it called Basoda?
On this day, food is cooked and kept from the day before, and the hearth is not lit at home, only stale food is eaten, which is why it is called Basoda.
What is Mata Sheetala the goddess of?
Mata Sheetala is regarded as the goddess of coolness, cleanliness, and health, worshipped especially for protection from pox, measles, and skin ailments.
Why is the hearth not lit on Sheetala Ashtami?
In honor of Mata Sheetala's association with coolness, no fire (hearth) is lit at home on this day, and only the cold, stale food prepared the day before is eaten.