Shitala Ashtami, also known as Basoda, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Shitala, the goddess associated with healing diseases—especially smallpox, chickenpox, measles, and other contagious illnesses. It is observed on the Ashtami (8th day) of Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the month of Chaitra (March–April), just after Holi.

🕉️ Spiritual Significance

  • Goddess Shitala is believed to cool fevers and prevent diseases.
  • The term “Shitala” means “cooling one”, and her worship is meant to ward off heat-related ailments and infections.
  • The observance signifies health, cleanliness, protection for children, and immunity from disease.

🙏 Shitala Ashtami Puja Rituals

🌅 Pre-Puja Preparations

  • Food is cooked a day before the festival (on Saptami), as cooking on the Ashtami day is considered inauspicious.
  • Devotees eat “Basoda” food—stale food as an offering to the goddess.

🛕 Altar Setup

  • Install an image or clay idol of Mata Shitala, often shown riding a donkey, carrying a broom, water pot, and neem leaves.
  • Place offerings such as stale food (roti, rice, puri, halwa), curd, neem leaves, and cold water.

🔥 Puja Procedure

  1. Clean the house and bathe early in the morning.
  2. Light a lamp and incense at the altar of Goddess Shitala.
  3. Offer:
    • Stale food items prepared the previous day
    • Cold milk or water
    • Neem leaves, flowers, curd, jaggery, and dry fruits
  4. Sprinkle cold water and neem water around the home for purification and to ward off infections.
  5. Chant Shitala Mata Aarti and mantras such as:
    • “Om Hreem Shitalayai Namah”
  6. Perform aarti and pray for the well-being of children and the family.

👩‍👧‍👦 Special Traditions

  • Women, especially mothers, observe fasts and pray for the health and longevity of their children.
  • In many places, young girls are fed as a form of blessing from the goddess.

🌼 Message of Shitala Ashtami

Shitala Ashtami promotes cleanliness, hygiene, and the importance of disease prevention. The festival blends spiritual devotion with traditional health wisdom and honors the healing power of nature through the worship of Goddess Shitala.