This article needs additional citations for
verification. (March 2019) |
Sheetala Ashtami | |
---|---|
Observed by | Hindus |
Type | Hindu |
Celebrations | Worshipping |
Date | Chaitra māsa Ashtami tithi |
Frequency | Annual |
Sheetala Ashtami or Sheetalasthami is a Hindu festival in honor of the goddess Shitala or Sheetala, celebrated on the eighth day ( ashtami) after the festival of colors, Holi.
Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha (the waning moon) in the Hindu month of Chaitra, [1] [2] and thus falls eight days after Holi. [3]
The festival falls at the start of the summer season; Shitala is worshipped to ward off heat-borne diseases, such as smallpox, and also to bring prosperity. [1] [2] Observances of the day involve offering to the goddess and consuming only food prepared one or two days before. [1] [2] [3] For this reason, Sheetala Ashtami is referred to in some parts of India as Basora or Basoda, meaning "previous night". [2] Khadi, panchkuta, khichiya, [2] and sweetened rice [3] are foods traditionally offered and consumed. After this day, stale food is not to be eaten. [3]
This article needs additional citations for
verification. (March 2019) |
Sheetala Ashtami | |
---|---|
Observed by | Hindus |
Type | Hindu |
Celebrations | Worshipping |
Date | Chaitra māsa Ashtami tithi |
Frequency | Annual |
Sheetala Ashtami or Sheetalasthami is a Hindu festival in honor of the goddess Shitala or Sheetala, celebrated on the eighth day ( ashtami) after the festival of colors, Holi.
Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha (the waning moon) in the Hindu month of Chaitra, [1] [2] and thus falls eight days after Holi. [3]
The festival falls at the start of the summer season; Shitala is worshipped to ward off heat-borne diseases, such as smallpox, and also to bring prosperity. [1] [2] Observances of the day involve offering to the goddess and consuming only food prepared one or two days before. [1] [2] [3] For this reason, Sheetala Ashtami is referred to in some parts of India as Basora or Basoda, meaning "previous night". [2] Khadi, panchkuta, khichiya, [2] and sweetened rice [3] are foods traditionally offered and consumed. After this day, stale food is not to be eaten. [3]