About Sheetala Ashtami Puja
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Basoda (बसोडा) Puja is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala and celebrated on Krishna Paksha Ashtami after Holi. Basoda is also known as Sheetala Ashtami. Usually it falls after eight days of Holi but many people observe it on first Monday or Friday after Holi. Sheetala Ashtami is more popular in North Indian states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. According to Basoda customs families don't lit fire for cooking. Hence most families cook one day before and consume stale food on Sheetala Ashtami day. It is believed that Goddess Sheetala controls smallpox, chickenpox, measles, etc. and people worship her to ward off any outbreak of those diseases. In Gujarat, the similar ritual as Basoda is observed just a day before Krishna Janmashtami and is known as Shitala Satam. Shitala Satam is also dedicated to Goddess Sheetala and no fresh food is cooked on the day of Sheetala Satam.
Deities & divine forms
Jai Shitala Mata, Maiya Jai Shitala Mata। Adi Jyoti Maharani Saba Phala Ki Data॥ The Hindi lyrics of the Aarti dedicated to Mata Shitala have been provided along with the recitation video. This Aarti is sung on various festivals like Shitala Ashtami. JaiJaiJai Shitala Bhawani। Jai Jaga Janani Sakala Gunakhani॥ GrihaGriha Shakti Tumhari Rajita। Purana Sharadachandra Samasajita॥ This Chalisa of Mata Shitala consisting of forty quatrains is provided with Hindi lyrics and recitation video. Devotees recite it to seek the blessings of the Goddess. In the Gujarati calendar, Shitala Satam is a highly significant festival dedicated to Goddess Shitala. Goddess Shitala protects Her devotees from diseases like measles, smallpox, etc. That's why this festival is celebrated to seek Her blessings.
How to celebrate Sheetala Ashtami Puja 2026
According to Basoda customs families don't lit fire for cooking. Hence most families cook one day before and consume stale food on Sheetala Ashtami day. It is believed that Goddess Sheetala controls smallpox, chickenpox, measles, etc. and people worship her to ward off any outbreak of those diseases. In Gujarat, the similar ritual as Basoda is observed just a day before Krishna Janmashtami and is known as Shitala Satam. Shitala Satam is also dedicated to Goddess Sheetala and no fresh food is cooked on the day of Sheetala Satam. Jai Shitala Mata, Maiya Jai Shitala Mata। Adi Jyoti Maharani Saba Phala Ki Data॥ The Hindi lyrics of the Aarti dedicated to Mata Shitala have been provided along with the recitation video. This Aarti is sung on various festivals like Shitala Ashtami.
Sheetala Ashtami Puja 2026 — FAQs
Sheetala Ashtami Puja, Basoda for Diu, Daman and Diu, India is observed on 2026-03-11.
Basoda (बसोडा) Puja is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala and celebrated on Krishna Paksha Ashtami after Holi. Basoda is also known as Sheetala Ashtami. Usually it falls after eight days of Holi but many people observe it on first Monday or Friday after Holi. Sheetala Ashtami is more popular in North Indian states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
