Basoda 2026: Date, time, puja rituals and significance of Sheetala Ashtami

Basoda is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, which is dedicated to worship Goddess Sheetala. This day is considered as the most auspicious day. Basoda is mostly celebrated in the northern Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and regions of Madhya Pradesh. The feestival takes place eight days after the Holi. Basoda is also celebrated as Sheetala Ashtami i.e., on March 11, 2026.

Basoda 2026: Date and Time

Ashtami Tithi Begins - 01:54 AM on Mar 11, 2026

Ashtami Tithi Ends - 04:19 AM on Mar 12, 2026

Sheetala Ashtami Puja Muhurat - 06:36 AM to 06:27 PM

Basoda 2026: Significance

Basoda is the most prominent Hindu festival, which is celebrated to honor Goddess Sheetala. The word Basoda means Basi or stale food or previously cooked meal. Devotees offer that food to the Goddess and then eat the same food. This ritual is believed to enhance the calming, healing energy which is associated with the Goddess Sheetala. Devotees offer their prayers to Mata Sheetala on this auspicious day with devotion and purity. Mata Sheetala represents good health and vitality and she gives protection to the devotees from all types of skin diseases and fever related issues. It is believed that the goddess has the power to cure diseases, especially contagious ones like smallpox, and protect people from the ill effects of the changing season. This is the powerful time to appease Mata Sheetala as the season is changing and when seasons changes, most of the people get affected by fever, temperature and by worshipping the goddess, people can get relieved from these diseases. This is the time to purify your body, mind and soul and this day is an opportunity to heal yourself by performing spiritual activities dedicated to Goddess Sheetala.

Who is Goddess Sheetala?

Goddess Sheetala is the most revered goddess, who is also known as the goddess of purification and healing. She is believed to protect the devotees from small pox, chicken pox, measles, infections, fever and heat effect. Sheetala means the one who cools. Goddess Sheetala is depicted as a fair skinned goddess riding a donkey and holding a broom in one hand and pot of cooling water and neem in another hand. The name "Sheetala" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "sheetal," which translates to "coolness". It is believed that Goddess Sheetala emerged from the milky ocean.

Basoda 2026: Puja Rituals

1. People do not cook food on Sheetala Ashtami and offer previously cooked bhog prasad to Mata Sheetala.

2. Before sunrise, devotees take an early morning bath and go to the Sheetala Devi shrine. Offerings of haldi and bajra are made during worship, and then the Basoda Vrat Katha is recited. As part of the ritual, the goddess is offered batasha, rabri, curd and sweet milk. On this auspicious occasion, people seek blessings of Goddess Sheetala.

3. Devotees eat the prepared meal called Prasad, or Basoda, throughout the day after presenting food to the goddess. Devotees recite the Shitalashtak, which is regarded as extremely fortunate.