The Significance of Sheetala Ashtami VratSheetala Ashtami, also known as Basoda, is an important festival in Hinduism. This fast is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Chaitra month. By performing the worship of Mata Sheetala on this day, a person receives the blessing of a healthy life. It is believed that worshipping the Goddess on this day protects against smallpox and other skin diseases.
Sheetala Ashtami 2025: Date and Auspicious Muhurat
This year, Sheetala Ashtami will be celebrated on March 22, 2025. According to the Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in Chaitra begins at 4:23 AM on March 22 and ends at 5:23 AM on March 23. The auspicious time for the worship of Mata Sheetala is from 6:41 AM to 6:50 PM.
Basoda Vrat Tradition and the Significance of Leftover Food
Lighting a stove at home on Sheetala Ashtami is considered prohibited. Therefore, the most special aspect of this fast is that leftover food is offered to Mata Sheetala as Prasad. Behind this tradition is the belief that cold things are more pleasing to Mata Sheetala. Therefore, instead of cooking fresh, warm food on this day, the food is prepared a day earlier, on Saptami Tithi, and offered to the Goddess on Ashtami.
This food typically includes rice, jaggery, yogurt, millet roti, and sweet dishes.
Method of Worship for Mata Sheetala
• Take a bath in the morning, wear clean clothes, and meditate on Mata Sheetala.
• Light a lamp in front of the image or picture of Mata Sheetala.
• Worship the Goddess with flowers, rice, turmeric, and roli.
• Offer leftover food as Prasad to Mata Sheetala, which mainly includes puri, rice, and sweet dishes.
• Recite the Katha and seek the blessings of the Goddess with all family members.
Religious and Scientific Aspects of Sheetala Ashtami
According to religious belief, offering leftover food to Mata Sheetala pleases her and protects her devotees from diseases. From a scientific perspective, an important reason for this tradition could be that in ancient times, more attention was paid to hygiene and cold foods to prevent smallpox and skin diseases. This is why the tradition of consuming leftover food and paying special attention to hygiene developed on this day.
Prevalence of Sheetala Ashtami
Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in North India, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana. It is also known by different names in various regions, such as Basoda, Budha Basoda, and Basiyaura. On this day, Mata Sheetala is worshipped in every household, and all devotees pray to the Goddess for the well-being and health of their families.
Sheetala Ashtami is not merely a religious ritual; it is a unique confluence of health, hygiene, and tradition. Worshipping Mata Sheetala on this day not only provides devotees with spiritual peace but also protects their health. On this sacred day, people observe the fast and perform the puja with complete devotion to receive the grace of Mata Sheetala.
