Basoda, also known as Sheetala Ashtami, is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Maa Sheetala, a form of Goddess Durga. This special day is observed seven days after Holi and is believed to protect devotees from diseases and bring good health. On this day, people worship Sheetala Mata and offer her stale food, which is why the festival is also called "Basoda." The day is mainly observed by women who fast and perform rituals for the well-being of their families. The festival is celebrated on different dates in various regions, depending on the Hindu calendar. In 2025, Basoda will be observed in March. Below, we discuss the exact date and time, the significance of Sheetala Ashtami, and the important rituals followed on this day.
Basoda 2025: Date And Time
According to the Hindu calendar, Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami fall on the Krishna Paksha of the Chaitra month. In 2025, Basoda will be celebrated on the following dates:
- Sheetala Saptami: Begins at 2:45 am on Friday, 21st March 2025, and ends at 4:23 am on Saturday, 22nd March 2025.
- Sheetala Ashtami: Begins at 4:23 am on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, and ends at 5:23 am on Sunday, 23rd March 2025.
Basoda Puja Timings
Here is the puja timings of Sheetala Saptami and Ashtami also known as Basoda:
- For Saptami: The best time for worship is from 5:37 am to 6:40 am on 21st March.
- For Ashtami: The best time for worship is from 5:20 am to 6:33 am on 22nd March.
People who observe Basoda on Ashtami should perform their prayers on 22nd March, keeping the Udaya Tithi (sunrise period) in mind.
What Is The Significance Of Sheetala Ashtami?
Sheetala Ashtami is considered an important festival for protection from diseases. Devotees believe that Maa Sheetala has the power to cure ailments such as smallpox, measles, and chickenpox. Worshipping her brings peace, prosperity, and good health to the family.
Basoda also marks the transition from winter to summer. It is believed that eating stale food on this day helps the body adapt to changing weather conditions. This festival is particularly popular in North India, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
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Basoda 2025: The Rituals Of Sheetala Ashtami
Here is the list of rituals devotees must perform on Sheetala Ashtami:
- Offering Stale Food: On this day, families prepare food a day before and eat only stale food as an offering to Maa Sheetala.
- Fasting: Women observe a fast for the well-being of their families and break it after performing the puja.
- Visiting Temples: Devotees visit Sheetala Mata temples and offer prayers with haldi (turmeric), neem leaves, and milk.
- Reading Stories: People listen to or read the story of Sheetala Mata to understand the significance of the festival.
- Avoiding Cooking: No fresh food is cooked on this day, and people consume the food prepared a day earlier.
Make sure to observe Basoda with devotion and follow the rituals to seek the blessings of Maa Sheetala.
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