Sheetala Saptami & Sheetala Ashtami 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Tithi Timings & Significance
Sheetala Saptami and Sheetala Ashtami are important Hindu observances dedicated to Goddess Sheetala Mata, who is believed to protect devotees from diseases, especially infections and seasonal illnesses.
In 2026, the festival dates and timings are as follows:
- Sheetala Saptami: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Sheetala Ashtami: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Tithi Timings – 2026
- Saptami Tithi Begins: 11:27 PM on March 9, 2026
- Saptami Tithi Ends: 01:54 AM on March 11, 2026
Since Saptami Tithi prevails during sunrise on March 10, Sheetala Saptami will be observed on March 10, 2026.
Sheetala Saptami Puja Muhurat
- Puja Muhurat: 06:37 AM to 06:26 PM
- Duration: 11 Hours 50 Minutes
Devotees can perform Sheetala Mata Puja during this auspicious window.
Who is Sheetala Mata?
Sheetala is worshipped as the Goddess of healing and protection from diseases. She is often depicted riding a donkey and holding a broom, a pot of healing water, and neem leaves — symbols of purification and health.
Significance of Sheetala Saptami
Sheetala Saptami is observed primarily in North India, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
The word “Sheetala” means coolness, symbolizing relief from fever and illness. Devotees pray for:
- Protection from diseases
- Good health for children
- Family well-being
- Removal of negative energies
Sheetala Ashtami 2026
- Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
In some regions, the main celebration is observed on Ashtami instead of Saptami. Both days are dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, depending on regional traditions.
Rituals of Sheetala Saptami & Ashtami
1. Basoda Tradition
One unique custom is preparing food one day before and offering cold food (Basoda) to the Goddess. Devotees avoid cooking fresh food on the day of worship.
2. Neem Leaves Usage
Neem leaves are used during worship as they are considered sacred and medicinal.
3. Temple Visits
Devotees visit Sheetala Mata temples early in the morning and offer:
- Halwa, puri
- Cold rice
- Curd
- Sweets
Spiritual & Cultural Importance
The festival carries both spiritual and scientific relevance:
- Worship promotes cleanliness and hygiene awareness.
- Neem and cold food traditions reflect ancient health practices.
- It emphasizes disease prevention during seasonal changes.
Sheetala Saptami & Ashtami 2026 Summary
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saptami Begins | March 9, 2026 | 11:27 PM |
| Saptami Ends | March 11, 2026 | 01:54 AM |
| Sheetala Saptami | March 10, 2026 | Tuesday |
| Puja Muhurat | 06:37 AM – 06:26 PM | 11h 50m |
| Sheetala Ashtami | March 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
Sheetala Saptami & Ashtami 2026 Wishes & Captions
🙏 Short Wishes
- Happy Sheetala Saptami! May Mata bless you with good health.
- Wishing your family protection and prosperity.
- May Sheetala Mata remove all illnesses.
- Stay healthy and blessed always.
- Jai Sheetala Mata!
💛 Devotional Wishes
- May Goddess Sheetala protect your children.
- May cool blessings fill your home.
- Praying for happiness and well-being.
- May every obstacle be removed.
- Divine blessings on this sacred day.
📱 Social Media Captions
- Seeking health and harmony.
- Basoda blessings 2026.
- Faith, health, and protection.
- March 10 – Sheetala Saptami vibes.
- Devotion brings divine protection.
🇮🇳 Hindi Wishes
- शीतला सप्तमी की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।
- माता शीतला आपके परिवार को स्वस्थ रखें।
- सभी रोगों से रक्षा करें माता।
- आपके जीवन में शांति और सुख बना रहे।
- जय माता शीतला!
Conclusion
Sheetala Saptami and Sheetala Ashtami 2026 are sacred occasions to seek health, protection, and spiritual peace. Celebrated on March 10 and 11, 2026, these festivals remind us of ancient traditions that combine faith with health awareness.
May Goddess Sheetala bless everyone with good health and prosperity.
