Sheetala Ashtami, referred to as Sheetalasthami, is a Hindu celebration honoring Goddess Sheetala. This festival takes place on the eighth day after Holi. Followers commemorate the event by presenting offerings to the goddess and partaking in food that has been prepared one or two days prior.

This custom has led to the festival being known as Basora or Basoda in some areas, which translates to "previous night." Here is a comprehensive overview of the significance and key timings associated with this sacred day.

Sheetala Ashtami 2025 date and timings

This year, the important Hindu festival of Sheetala Ashtami is set to take place on Saturday, March 22. As per Drik Panchang, the favorable timings for the celebration are outlined below:

Sheetala Ashtami puja muhurat - 06:23 AM to 06:33 PM

Duration - 12 hours and 11 minutes

Ashtami tithi commences - 04:23 AM on March 22

Ashtami tithi concludes - 05:23 AM on March 23

What is the significance of Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetala Ashtami is of considerable importance in Hindu mythology and customs. The Goddess Sheetala Devi is venerated as the guardian against illnesses, especially those associated with the heat of summer, including smallpox, chickenpox, and measles.

Adherents hold the belief that honoring her on this particular day protects their family members from sickness and promotes their health. In accordance with the Basoda custom, families refrain from igniting fires for cooking on this day, opting instead to prepare meals beforehand and eat pre-cooked dishes. Additionally, in India, this festival signifies the arrival of summer, presenting a perfect opportunity to request the goddess's blessings for defense against seasonal illnesses.

Sheetala Ashtami 2025 rituals

On Sheetala Ashtami, families engage in a distinctive custom of abstaining from cooking on the day itself. Instead, they prepare their meals beforehand and present them as offerings to Goddess Sheetala, a practice that is unique to this celebration.

Devotees start their day with an early morning bath before dawn and proceed to the Sheetala Devi temple. Their worship involves making offerings of haldi and bajra, followed by listening to the Basoda Vrat Katha. Rituals include presenting rabri, curd, and other essential items to the goddess. Additionally, seeking blessings from elders serves to reinforce family ties during this significant occasion.

After the food is offered to the goddess, devotees enjoy the pre-prepared meal as Prasad throughout the day, referred to as Basoda. This food is also shared with fellow worshippers and distributed to those in need. Reciting the Shitalashtak is regarded as particularly auspicious, further enriching the spiritual significance of the festival.

Read Also: Airport Theory: The Bold 2025 Travel Trend of Last-Minute Arrivals

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!