Sheetla Asthami 2026: Sheetala Ashtami is considered very special in Hindu religion. Every year after Holi, the festival of Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami date of Chaitra month. This year this festival is going to be celebrated on 11 March. On this day, Mother Sheetala is worshiped with rituals. Sheetala Ashtami is also known by the names Basoda, Budha Basoda or Basiyaura in the local language.
It is believed that worshiping Mother Sheetala on this day provides relief from smallpox, measles and other infectious diseases. On the day of Basoda, stale food is offered to Shitala Mata. Mother Sheetala is very pleased by offering stale food, but the question that comes in the minds of many people is that why only stale food is offered to Mother Goddess on the day of Sheetala Ashtami? Let us know about it in detail.
Why is stale food offered to the Mother Goddess?
During Hindu fasts, fresh food is offered to the gods and goddesses. Stale food is offered only to Mata Shitala. According to religious beliefs, Sheetala Mata loves cold things very much. This is the reason why stale food is offered to the Mother Goddess. A day before Basoda, the offering to Sheetala Mata is prepared.
Tradition of not lighting the stove in homes on the day of Shitala Ashtami
This is because there is a tradition of not lighting the stove in homes on the day of Sheetala Ashtami. Food is not cooked at home on this day. On the day of Shitala Ashtami, offer cold rice and ghee to Mother Goddess. Apart from this, Sheetala Mata is also very fond of sweet rice and curd rice. Pua and Puri Halwa are also offered to Sheetala Mata. In such a situation, make sure to offer these things to the mother.
Also read: Chaitra Amavasya 2026: Why is Chaitra Amavasya called Ghost Amavasya, know what is the secret behind it?
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.