Basoda 2026: When is Sheetala Ashtami? check date and puja rituals

Basoda is also celebrated as Sheetala Ashtami. The festival is going to be celebrated ate the eight days of Holi. The festival is celebrated on Ashtami tithi of krishna paksha. It occurs during the Hindu month of Chaitra, which falls between March and April on the Gregorian calendar. Goddess Sheetala is mainly worshippee on this auspicious day. This year, Basoda is going to be celebrated on March 11, 2026.

Basoda 2026: Date and Time

Ashtami Tithi Begins - March 11, 2026 - 01:54 AM

Ashtami Tithi Ends - March 12, 2026 - 04:19 AM

Sheetala Ashtami Puja Muhurat - March 11, 2026 - 06:36 AM to 06:27 PM

Basoda 2026: Significance

Basoda is one of the most significant festivals of Hindus. The festival is celebrated with immense devotion and purity.

The festival is celebrated on ashtami tithi of krishna paksha. The word "Basoda" means "Basi," or stales so it is customary for worshippers to refrain from lighting fires in their kitchens on this day. The northern Indian states of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan are the main locations for the celebration. This celebration is held to mark the arrival of summer and the shift in the weather. Smallpox, measles, chicken pox, and other illnesses are believed to be cured and controlled by Goddess Sheetala. To prevent the spread of such illnesses, her followers worship the goddess. When chilren become sick, many pandits even advise parents to pray to the goddess.

Basoda 2026: Puja Rituals

The devotees take an early morning bath in cold water on the day of Sheetala Saptami. Placing the idol or image of Sheetala Mata, on a riverbank is the most suitable manner to perform the puja. The godess is adorned with clothes following a sacred plunge in the river. On this day, Sheetala Ashtakam is read along with prayers for the well-being of the populace. No fire should be utilized in the house or cooking on Sheetala Mata since it is a symbol of coolness.