Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami are important Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, revered for protecting devotees from infectious diseases like smallpox, chickenpox, and measles. Also known as Basoda Puja, this festival is widely celebrated in North Indian states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
Devotees observe the day with deep devotion, offering prayers and following traditional rituals to seek blessings for good health and well-being.
Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami 2025
Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, observed twice a year. It falls on the 7th and 8th day of the waning moon in the Chaitra month and the 7th and 8thday of the waxing moon in the Shravana month. The Chaitra celebration holds special significance, as devotees seek the goddess’s blessings to protect their children from contagious diseases like chickenpox and smallpox.
This festival is widely observed across India, especially in rural areas. In South India, Goddess Sheetala is worshipped as Poleramma or Mariamman, with regional variations in rituals. In 2025, Sheetala Saptami will be celebrated on March 21, while the Sheetala Ashtami will be observed on March 22.
Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami 2025 Date and Time
Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami are significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, observed to seek protection from contagious diseases. Below are the key dates and puja timings for 2025.
| Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami 2025 Date and Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| Event | Date & Day | Time |
| Sheetala Saptami | Friday, March 21, 2025 | — |
| Sheetala Ashtami | Saturday, March 22, 2025 | — |
| Sheetala Ashtami Puja Muhurat | March 22, 2025 | 06:24 AM – 06:34 PM |
| Ashtami Tithi Begins | March 22, 2025 | 04:23 AM |
| Ashtami Tithi Ends | March 23, 2025 | 05:23 AM |
Basoda Puja Muhurat
Basoda, also known as Sheetala Ashtami, is observed on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami after Holi. While most devotees celebrate it eight days after Holi, some prefer to perform the puja on the first Monday or Friday following the festival.
A unique tradition of Basoda Puja is that no fire is lit for cooking on this day. Families prepare food a day in advance and consume it as prasad, honoring Goddess Sheetala. This practice is believed to bring good health and protect against ailments.
Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami 2025 Significance
The significance of Sheetala Saptami is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, as mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Goddess Sheetala, revered as the Goddess of Smallpox, is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and Goddess Durga, embodying the divine energy of Shakti.
On this day, devotees worship Goddess Sheetala to seek protection from contagious diseases like chickenpox and smallpox. She is believed to bring coolness and healing, offering relief to those suffering from infections.
Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami 2025 Rituals
Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami are sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, worshipped for protection from diseases and well-being. Devotees observe special rituals on this day to seek her blessings.
Fasting & Holy Bath: Devotees begin the day with an early morning bath and visit Goddess Sheetala’s temple to seek blessings.
Basoda Puja: Offerings of stale food, including sweet puris, rabri, and curd-based dishes, are made to the goddess as part of the tradition.
No Fresh Cooking: Fresh food is not prepared on this day. Instead, devotees consume meals cooked a day earlier, following the belief that it helps maintain health and well-being.
Chanting Prayers: Devotees recite the Sheetala Mata Stotra and other sacred hymns to invoke divine blessings and protection.
Offerings of Mustard Seeds & Water: Mustard seeds, milk, and cold water are offered to the deity, symbolizing protection from heat-related ailments.
Temple Visits & Community Rituals: Special prayers and religious ceremonies take place at Sheetala Mata temples, where devotees participate in rituals and seek divine grace.
Regional Observances:
- Gujarat: A similar festival, Shitala Satam, is observed a day before Krishna Janmashtami, following the same tradition of refraining from fresh cooking.
- Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh: Grand processions and temple celebrations take place, with devotees engaging in community prayers and charitable activities.
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Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami 2025 FAQs
Q.1. What is the significance of Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami?
Ans. Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami are dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, worshipped for protection against contagious diseases like smallpox and chickenpox.
Q.2. When will Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami be celebrated in 2025?
Ans. In 2025, Sheetala Saptami falls on March 21 (Friday), and Sheetala Ashtami on March 22 (Saturday).
Q.3. Why is fresh cooking avoided on Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami?
Ans. Devotees do not cook fresh food as part of the Basoda Puja tradition, believing that consuming pre-prepared meals honors Goddess Sheetala and ensures protection from illnesses.
Q.4. How is Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami celebrated in different regions?
Ans. In Gujarat, Shitala Satam is observed before Krishna Janmashtami, while in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, grand processions and temple ceremonies mark the occasion.
Q.5. What are the key rituals of Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami?
Ans. Devotees take a holy bath, observe fasting, visit temples, offer stale food, chant prayers, and perform special pujas to seek Goddess Sheetala’s blessings.
