Offer These Dishes on Sheetala Ashtami to Seek the Blessings of Goddess Sheetala

Sheetala Ashtami 2025 Bhog: According to the Hindu calendar, this year, Sheetala Ashtami will be observed on 22nd March (Saturday). It is believed that those who offer a special bhog (food offering) to Goddess Sheetala on this day are blessed with happiness, peace, and prosperity in their homes. Let’s explore what kind of bhog should be offered to Goddess Sheetala on this auspicious day.

Table of Contents

1 .Introduction to Sheetala Ashtami 2025
2. Key Offerings (Bhog) to Goddess Sheetala
A. Stale Roti (Basi Roti)
B. Sweet Rice (Meethe Chawal)
C. Kadhi and Rice
D. Halwa
E. Pua and Malpua
F. Curd and Boondi
Sesame & Jaggery Laddoos
3. Significance of Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda Festival)
4. Rituals of Sheetala Ashtami

Introduction to Sheetala Ashtami 2025

Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Chaitra. This festival is also known as Basoda. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Sheetala and offer her special types of bhog. According to religious beliefs, offering stale food (basi bhojan) to Goddess Sheetala ensures happiness, prosperity, and protection from diseases in the family.

Key Offerings (Bhog) to Goddess Sheetala

1. Stale Roti (Basi Roti)
On Sheetala Ashtami, fresh food is not prepared. Instead, food is cooked a day in advance. On the day of the festival, stale roti is offered to the goddess, which is then consumed with jaggery or curd.
2. Sweet Rice (Meethe Chawal)
Sweet rice is prepared on this day and offered to the goddess after cooling it down. The rice is cooked with jaggery or sugar, and flavored with cardamom, coconut, and dry fruits.
3. Kadhi and Rice
Stale kadhi and rice are offered to Goddess Sheetala. The kadhi is prepared a day earlier using besan (gram flour) and curd, cooled, and then offered to the goddess the next day.
4. Halwa
Halwa made from wheat flour or semolina is also offered to the goddess. It is prepared with ghee, sugar, and dry fruits, making it a rich and delicious offering.
5. Pua and Malpua
Pua or malpua, made from wheat flour or refined flour, is another popular offering. These are deep-fried in ghee and then dipped in sugar syrup before being offered to the goddess.
6. Curd and Boondi
Goddess Sheetala is fond of cold items, so curd and boondi are offered to her. This prasad is then distributed among devotees.
7. Laddoos with White Sesame and Jaggery
It is a tradition to offer laddoos made from white sesame seeds and jaggery to Goddess Sheetala. These laddoos are not only considered sacred but are also beneficial for health. 

Significance of Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda Festival)

By observing the fast and worshipping Goddess Sheetala on this auspicious day, devotees invite happiness and peace into their homes. It is also believed that this ritual protects the family from skin-related diseases. Consuming cold food on this day pleases the goddess, and she blesses her devotees with health and prosperity.  

Rituals of Sheetala Ashtami

 Wake up early, take a bath, and purify yourself before setting up the idol or image of Goddess Sheetala.
- Offer flowers, incense, and a diya (lamp) to the goddess.
- Prepare the special bhog and offer it to her with devotion.
- Perform the aarti of Goddess Sheetala and pray for the well-being, peace, and prosperity of your family.

Sheetala Ashtami is a festival that brings positive energy into the household and ensures the protection of the family from illnesses. By following the traditions and offering the prescribed bhog, devotees seek the blessings of Goddess Sheetala for a happy and prosperous life.