Sheetala Saptami is observed on the seventh day after Holi. This year the Sheetala Saptami puja will be celebrated on Thursday, 24th March 2022.
Only women from the north Indian states take part in the saptami puja. The pooja is observed for peace and harmony and for the good health of children. However, the Sheetala Ashtami is more popular in North Indian states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Basoda Puja is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala and celebrated on Krishna Paksha Ashtami after Holi. Usually it falls after eight days of Holi but many people observe it on the first Monday or Thursday after Holi.
| Sheetala Saptami | Date and Time |
| Sheetala Saptami | Thursday, March 24, 2022 |
| Sheetala Saptami Puja Muhurat | 06:21 AM to 06:34 PM |
| Duration | 12 Hours 14 Mins |
The most significant ritual, which is followed on the day of Shitala Saptami, is that no fresh food is cooked in the family. The food which is consumed on the day of Shitala Saptami should be cold and stale. Hence most Gujarati families prepare special food on the previous day which is popularly known as Randhan Chhath.
About Sheetala Maata
In Sanskrit, the name ‘Sheetala’ literally means ‘the one who cools’. As an incarnation of Supreme Goddess Parvati, Goddess Sheetala controls smallpox, chickenpox, measles, etc. and people worship her to ward off any outbreak of those diseases.
Goddess Sheetala is seen seated on a donkey, holding a pot and a silver broom in her two hands. The worship of Shitala is conducted only by women.