The festival of “Shitala Ashtami” (Basoda) will be celebrated on the occasion of Chaitra Krishna Ashtami on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. This day, dedicated to Mother Sheetala, the goddess of health, is considered special for avoiding eating stale food and preventing infections. Today the Moon will be in Scorpio and the lord of Mercury will be in Jyestha Nakshatra. Due to the influence of Jyestha Nakshatra, you will have the ability to make clever plans and act wisely, which will prove helpful in managing life properly. Today there is a combination of Siddhi Yoga, which is auspicious for success in work and fulfillment of big desires. Use your sharp intelligence and courageous nature wisely today. If you get a little angry, consider it a sign of improvement. There is no Abhijeet Muhurta today, so take advantage of Amrit Kaal from 12:08 pm to 1:55 pm for important work.
important information
Date Krishna Ashtami – till 4:19 am (12 March), then Navami
sum
Vajra – till 9:12 am, then Siddhi
Karan Balav – By 3:08 pm
Karan
Kaulav – till 4:19 am (12 March), then Taitil
position of sun and moon
Sunrise time: 6:36 am
Sunset time: 6:27 pm
Moonrise time: 1:54 am (12 March)
Moonset time: 11:07 am
sun and moon signs
Sun: Located in Aquarius
Moon: Located in Scorpio – till 10:00 pm
today’s good time
Abhijeet Muhurat: Today is not Abhijeet Muhurat.
immortality period
12:08 pm to 1:55 pm
today’s inauspicious time
Rahukaal
12:31 PM to 2:00 PM
guli period
11:02 AM to 12:31 PM
yam ganda
8:05 AM to 9:33 AM
today’s constellation
Today, the Moon will be in Jyestha Nakshatra.
Jyestha Nakshatra: Till 10:00 PM
Location: 16°40′ Scorpio to 30°00′ Scorpio
Nakshatra Lord: Mercury
Zodiac lord: Mars
Deity: Indra (King of Gods)
Symbol: earrings, umbrella, or amulet
Common Characteristics: Very ambitious, intelligent, clever planner, courageous, practical, logical, philosophical, quick-witted, self-respecting, adept at handling difficulties, a little short-tempered, has few friends, and is determined towards goals.
Today is Shitala Ashtami (Basoda).
Shitala Ashtami (Basoda) 2026
Puja time: 06:36 am to 06:27 pm
Time: 11 hours 51 minutes
The festival of Sheetala Ashtami, which is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, is celebrated on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha after Holi. It is also known as ‘Basoda’ in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. According to religious beliefs, no fire is lit in the house for cooking on this day.
Most families prepare food a day in advance and eat only stale food on Ashtami. It is believed that Goddess Shitala controls smallpox and other spreading diseases. Devotees worship the goddess with full devotion for good health and easy life.