Sheetala Ashtami 2022 Date, Tithi, Rituals

Sheetala Ashtami or Basoda Puja is a festival dedicated to Goddess Sheetala. It is observed on the ‘ashtami’ of the Krishna Paksha during the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’.

Devotees believe that by keeping vrat on this day, they can keep diseases at bay.

Sheetala Ashtami 2022 Date: March 25, Friday.

Ashtami Tithi Begins: March 25, 2022 12:10 AM.

Ashtami Tithi Ends: March 25, 2022 10:04 PM.

Rituals: As per tradition, devotees do not lit fire for the purpose of cooking on this day. They prepare food a day before Sheetala Ashtami and consume it on the day of Sheetala Ashtami.

Food cooked a day before Sheetala Ashtami is also offered to Goddess Sheetala on this auspicious day.

Devotees wake up early in the morning before sunrise, take bath, and visit Sheetala Devi temple to offer prayers.

After puja, devotees listen to Basoda Vrat Katha.

Rabri, curd and other substances are offered to Goddess Sheetala on this day. People also take blessings from their elders on this occasion.

After offering the prepared food to the Goddess, rest of the food is eaten as prasad, also known as ‘Basoda’ in local language.

The food is also distributed among other devotees and also given to the poor and needy people.