Sheetala Ashtami 2025 Date: Sheetala Ashtami holds great significance in Hinduism. According to the Hindu calendar, this fast is observed on the Ashtami (eighth) day of the Krishna Paksha in the Chaitra month, also known as Basoda Puja. In 2025, Sheetala Ashtami will be observed on March 22. On this day, devotees offer stale food (prepared the previous day) to Goddess Sheetala. It is believed that worshiping the goddess on this day helps protect devotees from various diseases.
Goddess Sheetala’s Form and Importance Goddess Sheetala is considered the deity of smallpox and contagious diseases. She is regarded as a symbol of cleanliness and is believed to protect people from heat-induced illnesses. Worshiping her is said to provide relief from epidemics and skin diseases.
Why is Stale Food Offered? According to religious beliefs, Goddess Sheetala prefers stale food. Therefore, devotees do not prepare fresh meals on this day and instead offer food cooked the previous day. Scientifically, this tradition also holds significance. The month of Chaitra marks the transition from winter to summer, increasing the risk of illnesses. Consuming cold food during this time is believed to be beneficial for digestion and overall health. Additionally, households refrain from lighting the stove, promoting cleanliness and hygiene.
Foods Offered on Sheetala Ashtami During the puja, devotees offer the following stale food items to the goddess:
- Sweet rice
- Unsalted puris
- Pua (sweet fried bread)
- Gul-gule (sweet fritters)
- Pakoras (fritters)
- Kadhi (yogurt-based curry)
- Chana dal (Bengal gram lentils)
- Halwa (sweet pudding)
- Rabri (thickened sweet milk)
Rituals and Traditions of Sheetala Ashtami
- Devotees take a holy bath before sunrise and wear clean clothes.
- They light a lamp and worship Goddess Sheetala’s idol or image.
- The stale food is offered as prasad and later consumed by the family.
- Special emphasis is placed on cleanliness, as Goddess Sheetala is believed to favor hygiene.
Sheetala Ashtami is not only significant from a religious perspective but also has scientific relevance. This festival keeps traditions alive while promoting a healthy and hygienic lifestyle.