Sheetala Saptami is celebrated a day before Sheetala Ashtami. Both days are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Sheetala. These festivals are also known as Basoda or Basoura and are observed by offering stale food to Goddess Sheetala. This festival falls on the Saptami (seventh day) and Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra.
When is Sheetala Saptami 2025?
- Saptami Tithi Begins: March 21, 2025, at 02:45 AM
- Saptami Tithi Ends: March 22, 2025, at 04:23 AM
- Sheetala Saptami Puja Date: March 21, 2025 (Friday)
Sheetala Saptami Puja Muhurat
- Puja Timing: 06:24 AM to 06:33 PM
- Total Duration: 12 hours 09 minutes
How to Perform Sheetala Mata Puja?
- Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
- Install a picture or idol of Goddess Sheetala at the place of worship.
- Offer flowers, fruits, and bhog (food offering) to the deity.
- Light incense sticks and lamps while chanting prayers.
- Perform aarti and bow down before the Goddess.
What to Offer as Bhog to Sheetala Mata?
According to Hindu scriptures, cold or stale food is offered to Goddess Sheetala. Pandit Jayaprakash Pandey has stated that prasad (offering) should be prepared on March 20, 2025, and offered on March 21, 2025. Devotees also consume only cold food on this day, avoiding any warm beverages or freshly cooked meals.
Auspicious Puja Timings on Sheetala Saptami
- Brahma Muhurat: 04:49 AM – 05:36 AM
- Pratah Sandhya: 05:13 AM – 06:24 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 12:04 PM – 12:53 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: 02:30 PM – 03:18 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: 06:32 PM – 06:55 PM
- Sayahna Sandhya: 06:33 PM – 07:44 PM
- Amrit Kaal: 04:08 PM – 05:53 PM
When Will Bhadra End on Sheetala Saptami?
There will be Bhadra Dosha on Sheetala Saptami. It will begin at 06:24 AM and end at 03:38 PM on March 21, 2025.
Sacred Mantra for Goddess Sheetala
While performing the puja and offering bhog, devotees should chant the following Sheetala Mata Mantra:
“Sheetale Tvam Jaganmata, Sheetale Tvam Jagatpita।
Sheetale Tvam Jagaddhatri, Sheetalayai Namo Namah॥”
This festival holds immense significance in Hindu traditions, promoting good health and protection from diseases. It is widely observed in North India, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Devotees seek Goddess Sheetala’s blessings for the well-being of their families.