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A distinctive aspect of Basoda is the tradition of not lighting a fire for cooking on the festival day. Instead, families prepare food on the preceding day, known as Sheetala Saptami (March 21, 2025), and consume it cold on Sheetala Ashtami. This festival has deep astrological significance, aligning with planetary influences that emphasize health, purification, and karmic balance.In 2025, Basoda falls on Saturday, March 22.
Important timings
- Sheetala Ashtami 2025 – Saturday, March 22, 2025
- Sheetala Ashtami Puja Muhurat – 06:42 AM to 06:51 PM
- Duration – 12 Hours 10 Mins
- Sheetala Saptami – March 21, 2025
- Ashtami Tithi begins – 04:23 AM on Mar 22, 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Ends – 05:23 AM on Mar 23, 2025
Significance
Basoda occurs close to the seasonal transition from winter to summer when infections like smallpox, measles, and chickenpox were historically common. Goddess Sheetala is believed to control ailments caused by imbalanced planetary influences, particularly Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn (Shani). The Ashtami Tithi is linked to fluctuations in the Moon’s energy, which impacts emotions, mental health, and bodily fluids.
Worshipping Sheetala Mata on this day, observing a fast, and offering prayers can help reduce malefic planetary effects. The dietary customs of Basoda (avoiding fresh-cooked food) align with Ayurvedic principles of seasonal detoxification, preventing infections during changing weather. Devotees are advised to donate food, clothes, and water to enhance their karmic balance, which is beneficial for those undergoing Sade Sati or Rahu Mahadasha.
Rituals and Customs
On this day, devotees rise early, take ritual baths, and offer prayers to Goddess Sheetala. Offerings typically include prepared foods like sweetened rice, black gram, and various sweets made from jaggery and milk products. Consuming this pre-cooked food is an integral part of the observance. Devotees follow specific rituals dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, emphasizing cleanliness, disease prevention, and devotion. The key rituals include:1. Preparations on the Previous Day (Sheetala Saptami)
Devotees prepare food a day in advance because cooking on Basoda is prohibited. Special dishes like sweetened rice, puri, black gram, and jaggery-based sweets are made. Homes and surroundings are cleaned thoroughly to maintain hygiene.2. Early Morning Rituals
Devotees wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath. Women, especially mothers, observe the fast and lead the puja. People visit Sheetala Mata temples or local shrines to offer prayers.3. Worship of Goddess Sheetala
The idol or image of Goddess Sheetala is bathed with sacred water and adorned with flowers. Offerings include curd, cooked rice, neem leaves, and cooling foods to appease the goddess. Some devotees offer seven types of grains and pulses as part of the ritual.4. Eating Only Pre-Cooked Food
Families eat the previously prepared food, known as Thanda Khana (cold meal), without reheating. This practice symbolizes devotion and is believed to prevent diseases.5. Sprinkling of Holy Water
Devotees collect water in an earthen pot (Kalash), bless it during the puja, and sprinkle it around their homes. This is believed to purify the surroundings and protect against epidemics.6. Community Celebrations
In some regions, fairs and special gatherings are organized in Sheetala Mata temples. Some devotees also donate food, clothing, and money to the needy.Celebrations across India
Basoda, or Sheetala Ashtami, is primarily celebrated in North and Western India, but different regions observe unique traditions based on local customs and beliefs. The festival revolves around the worship of Goddess Sheetala, emphasizing hygiene, disease prevention, and communal harmony. In Rajasthan, Basoda is celebrated with grand worship in Sheetala Mata Temples. Rajasthan has many Sheetala Mata temples, where devotees offer pre-cooked food, curd, and neem leaves. In cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, Sheetala Mata fairs are organized, where thousands gather for pujas and cultural events. Families prepare dishes like sweetened rice, baati, and kheer a day in advance and eat them cold as a form of devotion. In Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Sheetala Mata Puja is carried out at homes and temples. In cities like Varanasi, Mathura, and Bhopal, devotees wake up early to visit Sheetala Mata shrines. Neem leaves and water is sprinkled around homes as a ritual to drive away diseases. Many women observe a day-long fast, breaking it only with pre-cooked food. In Gujarat, devotees prepare special dishes like Dahi-Chawal (curd rice), Thepla, and Khichdi, which are eaten cold. People visit Sheetala Mata temples in Ahmedabad and Surat and donate food to the poor. In Haryana and Punjab, the festival is observed mostly in villages, where women lead the puja rituals. Devotees take dips in ponds or rivers before offering prayers. People prepare thick wheat rotis and jaggery-based sweets and offer them to Sheetala Mata. In West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar, Goddess Sheetala is worshipped as a guardian deity against smallpox and epidemics. In some villages, handmade clay idols of Sheetala Mata are worshipped for health and protection. Some regions incorporate modern health awareness programs, promoting vaccinations and hygiene. In Maharashtra and southern states, Basoda is not widely celebrated, but some people observe it, especially in Maharashtrian households influenced by North Indian traditions. In a few areas, people observe fasts and donate food in honour of Mariamma, a local goddess associated with disease prevention, similar to Sheetala Mata.Story behind Basoda
The story behind Basoda (Sheetala Ashtami) revolves around Goddess Sheetala, who is believed to protect people from diseases like smallpox, measles, and chickenpox. There are several legends associated with the festival, but the most popular one comes from Hindu scriptures like the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. According to it, Goddess Sheetala emerged from Lord Shiva’s divine energy and is depicted holding a broom, a pot of water, and a winnowing fan. She is believed to ride a donkey and is closely associated with cleanliness and hygiene. One popular legend states that once, a kingdom was struck by a severe outbreak of smallpox, causing immense suffering. The people prayed to various deities, but the disease continued to spread. It was then that Goddess Sheetala appeared before the king in a dream and instructed him to worship her with pre-cooked food and spread awareness about hygiene. The king followed her advice and organized a grand Sheetala Puja, where people consumed food prepared the previous day and refrained from lighting fires. Miraculously, the disease subsided, and the kingdom regained health. Since then, devotees have continued this tradition to seek the Goddess’s blessings for protection against contagious diseases.Symbolism of Goddess Sheetala
The imagery of Goddess Sheetala is deeply symbolic, reflecting her role as a protector against diseases and a deity associated with cleanliness and hygiene. Goddess Sheetala is seen seated on a donkey. The donkey symbolizes endurance and humility, emphasizing her role as a protector of common people. She is usually depicted with four hands, each holding objects that symbolize her divine functions. They are:- Broom (Jhaadu) – Represents cleanliness and sweeping away disease and negativity. It signifies the importance of hygiene in preventing infections.
- Winnowing Fan (Soop) – Used to separate good from bad, symbolizing purification and the removal of impurities.
- Pot of Water (Kalash) – Contains healing and purifying water, representing her power to cure ailments. This water is believed to be sanctified and is sprinkled to ward off diseases.
- Neem Leaves – Sometimes shown in her hands or near her, as neem has antibacterial properties and is traditionally used for treating skin diseases.
Relevance of Basoda in the Modern Era
Basoda is essentially a religious festival, but its underlying principles remain highly relevant in today’s world, especially in the context of public health, food safety, and environmental awareness. Goddess Sheetala is worshipped as the protector of epidemics like smallpox, chickenpox, and other contagious diseases. The festival promotes cleanliness by encouraging people to clean their homes, temples, and surroundings. In today’s world, where viral infections and pandemics are a concern, the festival reinforces the importance of sanitation, vaccination, and hygiene. The tradition of eating pre-cooked food (without reheating) symbolizes proper food storage and safety. It highlights the significance of food preservation techniques and how they can help prevent foodborne diseases. In the modern era, where food wastage and contamination are major issues, Basoda promotes mindful consumption. Also, the focus on avoiding hot or freshly cooked food aligns with the Ayurvedic concept of cooling the body and preventing seasonal ailments. Since no cooking is done on Basoda, it indirectly promotes fuel conservation and reduces carbon footprint. Using earthen pots, natural materials, and simple food aligns with sustainable living practices. The worship of Neem leaves and water highlights the traditional use of natural remedies and eco-friendly healthcare. Neem leaves, an essential offering to Goddess Sheetala, are known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties. Sprinkling holy water around homes mirrors modern practices of sanitization. The festival also fosters community bonding, as people gather at temples, distribute food, and pray together. Donations to the needy, especially food and clothes, encourage social responsibility and charity. In the modern era, where mental health and well-being are gaining attention, such gatherings provide emotional support and togetherness. Thus, Basoda is more than just a religious observance; it carries practical lessons in public health, food safety, sustainability, and community welfare. In today’s fast-paced world, its core values—cleanliness, mindful eating, and environmental consciousness—are more relevant than ever.
