Sheetala Ashtami 2024: When is Sheetala Ashtami, know the date, worship method and auspicious time!

PC: tv9hindi

In the Hindu religion, the Sheetala Ashtami fast is observed every year on the Ashtami date of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month. This festival is also known as Basoda Ashtami. Shitala Ashtami is dedicated to the worship and fasting of Goddess Shitala, who is considered the goddess of cleanliness and health. According to religious belief, worshipping and fasting on the occasion of Shitala Ashtami frees people from various diseases and blesses them with long lives. Also, the observance of this fast starts from the seventh day (Saptami).

According to the Hindu calendar, Sheetala Ashtami fast will be observed on April 2 this year. The festival of Sheetala Ashtami falls exactly eight days after Holi. On this day, Sheetala Mata is worshipped and cold Basoda is offered to her. This food is accepted as Prasad. It is believed that from this day onwards food starts becoming stale. While some people celebrate Sheetala Saptami, others celebrate Sheetala Ashtami. Some people also worship Goddess Shitala on Monday after Holi.

Sheetala Ashtami Auspicious Time:

Ashtami Tithi (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month starts at 9:09 PM on April 1 and lasts till 8:08 PM on April 2. Accordingly, this year Sheetala Ashtami will be celebrated on April 2.

Shitala Ashtami Puja Process:

Wake up early in the morning and take a bath in Brahma Muhurta. Take a pledge to fast.

Prepare a plate with dishes made a day in advance, such as sweet rice and roti.

On another plate, place puja items, which include wheat lamp, vermilion, turmeric, rice grains, cloth, beads, henna and coins. Then worship Mata Shitala. Light a lamp for Goddess Shitala and offer water to her. Bring some water home and sprinkle it around.

Offer all these things to Goddess Sheetala and apply vermillion or turmeric on the forehead of all the family members.

If puja material is left, feed it to the cow. This will bring prosperity to your life.

Importance of Shitala Ashtami:

It is believed that worshipping Goddess Sheetala frees children from negative influences and individuals get relief from diseases. On this day, there is a tradition of offering stale food to Goddess Shitala. Fresh food is not prepared on the day of Shitala Ashtami. Sweet rice, rabri, pua, halwa and roti are prepared a day in advance and it is considered important to offer them to the goddess.