Sheetala Ashtami 2026

Sheetala Ashtami: Worship of Goddess Sheetala

Sheetala Ashtami falls on Phalguna Bahula Ashtami, the eighth day after the Holi full moon. Devotees worship Goddess Sheetala and offer, and then eat, cold food cooked the previous day. It is mainly observed in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where it is called Basoda.

Who Is Sheetala Devi?

Sheetala means "the one who cools". Praise of Sheetala Devi appears in the Skanda Purana. She is depicted seated on a donkey, holding a broom, a pot of water and neem leaves. The broom is seen as a symbol of cleanliness, the pot of coolness and the neem of protection. As summer begins, families pray to her to protect them, especially the children, from illness.

How the Puja Is Done

• Food for the offering is cooked on the evening before, on Saptami.
• On Ashtami morning, bathe with cool water and visit a Sheetala temple or the home altar.
• Offer water, turmeric, kumkum, neem leaves and flowers, along with the food cooked the previous day.
• Many families do not light the kitchen stove on this day.
• Recite the Sheetala Ashtakam or a prayer to the Goddess and share the prasadam with the family.

For Telugu Readers

Sheetala Ashtami is not widely observed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but its spirit is familiar. In our villages, the summer custom of offering neem leaves and cooling naivedyam to grama devatas such as Poleramma and Maremma, praying for the protection of the village, is close in feeling. In some regions the same puja is done on Saptami as Sheetala Saptami.

Significance

Sheetala puja reminds us of the value of purity, cleanliness and living in tune with the seasons. Devotees believe sincere worship keeps the family safe.

May Mother Sheetala keep every home cool, calm and protected.