Shitala Mata Vrat, Katha & Aarti - Sheetala Ashtami Puja Vidhi

Sheetala Ashtami, also called Basoda, falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Chaitra, just after Holi. Its most unique feature is Basoda, the tradition of eating only cold, stale food cooked the previous day - no fire is lit in the kitchen on this day. This marks the seasonal shift toward summer, when easily digestible cool food protects health, and it honours the goddess who keeps the body cool and free of disease.

1. The previous evening, cook the bhog (sweet rice, puri, halwa or curd-based dishes) that will be offered cold the next day. 2. On Ashtami, bathe early but do not light the kitchen fire. 3. Visit the Shitala Mata temple or worship at home with the previously cooked, cold food. 4. Offer cold water, neem leaves, roli, rice, and the stale bhog; light a lamp but no fresh cooking. 5. Listen to or read the Shitala Mata katha and perform the aarti. 6. Apply a little of the cold offering to children for the goddess's protection. Women keep this vrat especially for their children's health and long life.

An old village tale tells of a woman who, alone among her neighbours, cooked fresh hot food on Sheetala Ashtami instead of honouring the goddess with cold offerings. That night a fire or illness spread, and only the homes that had kept the Basoda tradition and worshipped Shitala Mata with devotion were left unharmed. Realising her mistake, the woman prayed sincerely, and the goddess, ever compassionate, restored peace and health to her family. The katha teaches faith, humility and respect for the goddess's simple discipline.

Sing this aarti with a lamp before the goddess:

Jai Shitala Maata, maiyya jai Shitala Maata. Aadi Jyoti Mahamaya, sab dukh harne waali. Ridhi-sidhi daata maiyya, rog-shok mitane waali. Sharan padi jo teri, vipada mit jaati.

Offer the flame, then pray for the family's health and the protection of children.

Worshipping Shitala Mata is believed to protect the family from fevers, pox, skin diseases and seasonal illness, and to bless children with health and long life. Beyond devotion, the Basoda tradition carries practical wisdom - giving the kitchen a rest and eating cool, easy food as summer begins. The vrat blends faith with seasonal care for the body.