Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda)

The Story

Sheetala Mata is the goddess who both causes and cures diseases like smallpox, chickenpox, and measles. Her name means 'the cool one' — she cools the burning fevers of disease. On Sheetala Ashtami (also called Basoda), no fire is lit for cooking — all food eaten on this day was prepared the night before and is offered cold (hence 'basoda' from 'bas' meaning stale/left overnight). This is the only festival where stale food is considered sacred. The goddess rides a donkey, carries a broom and waterpot, and is considered both fierce and benevolent.

Vidhi · How It's Done

• Cook all food the night before — no fire is lit on the actual festival day
• Bathe early and visit the Sheetala Mata temple
• Offer the cold food (basoda) to the goddess
• Bring clay pots of water to the temple — 'thanda paani' (cold water) is sacred
• Receive prasad of the cold food
• Children and those who have had smallpox/chickenpox should especially worship

Key Mantras

• ॐ शीतले त्वं जगन्माता ॐ शीतले तुभ्यं नमोस्तु ते

Bhog · Festival Foods

Basoda — day-old food: kheer, poori, halwa, rice — all prepared the previous day

Regional Variants

• · Rajasthan: biggest celebrations — every town has a Sheetala Mata temple
• · Gujarat: called 'Shitala Satam' — observed a day earlier (Saptami)
• · UP: similar cold-food tradition with local variations

Frequently Asked

When is Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) in 2026?

Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) is listed for March 11, 2026 (Wednesday) — Chaitra Krishna Ashtami / Basoda. in India. Always confirm local panchang or official holiday notices for regional date variations.

Is Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) a public holiday?

Public holiday status for Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) in India can vary by country, state, institution, and local calendar. Check official holiday notices for your location.

Why is Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) celebrated?

Sheetala Mata is the goddess who both causes and cures diseases like smallpox, chickenpox, and measles. Her name means 'the cool one' — she cools the burning fevers of disease.

How is Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) celebrated at home?

Cook all food the night before — no fire is lit on the actual festival day Bathe early and visit the Sheetala Mata temple Offer the cold food (basoda) to the goddess Bring clay pots of water to the temple — 'thanda paani' (cold…

What food or prasad is prepared for Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda)?

Common foods and offerings include Basoda — day-old food: kheer, poori, halwa, rice — all prepared the previous day.

What are the regional names of Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda)?

Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) is also associated with names or regional forms such as शीतला अष्टमी / बसोड़ा, Rajasthan: biggest celebrations — every town has a Sheetala Mata temple, Gujarat: called 'Shitala Satam' — observed a day earlier (Saptami), UP: similar cold-food tradition with local variations.

Dates · Next 5 Years