Sheetala Ashtami 2026: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Sheetala Ashtami in 2026 falls on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. Computed for Delhi (IST) from the drik-ganit panchang, by the rule: classical festival table — tithi prevailing at local noon. Abhijit Muhurat runs 12:08 PM – 12:55 PM IST.
Shubh muhurat windows
Worship is offered in the morning with the previous day's food. Use the day's Abhijit Muhurat for the puja; avoid Rahu Kaal for the offering.
11 March 2026 (Wednesday)
| Window | Time (IST) | City |
|---|---|---|
| Abhijit Muhurat (shubh for all works) | 12:08 PM – 12:55 PM | Delhi |
The Abhijit Muhurat is the universally auspicious midday window (what it is and why). Windows are computed for Delhi; your city's exact span shifts with local sunrise — check the city panchang or the Bela app.
What does Sheetala Ashtami celebrate?
Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) honours Sheetala Mata, the goddess of coolness and healing, on the eighth tithi after Holi. Kitchens stay cold — food cooked the previous day is offered and eaten — praying for protection from pox and summer fevers.
Frequently asked questions
When is Sheetala Ashtami in 2026?
Sheetala Ashtami in 2026 falls on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The date is computed for Delhi from the rule: classical festival table — tithi prevailing at local noon.
What does Sheetala Ashtami celebrate?
Sheetala Ashtami (Basoda) honours Sheetala Mata, the goddess of coolness and healing, on the eighth tithi after Holi. Kitchens stay cold — food cooked the previous day is offered and eaten — praying for protection from pox and summer fevers.
What is the shubh muhurat on Sheetala Ashtami 2026?
The computed windows for 11 March 2026 (Delhi): Abhijit Muhurat — 12:08 PM to 12:55 PM IST. Worship is offered in the morning with the previous day's food. Use the day's Abhijit Muhurat for the puja; avoid Rahu Kaal for the offering.
Does the Sheetala Ashtami date change from city to city?
Yes, it can. Sheetala Ashtami is fixed by a tithi prevailing at a specific moment — sunrise, noon, sunset or midnight — and that moment is local. Moving west or east across longitudes can push the prevailing tithi across a civil-date boundary, so Mumbai, Kolkata or New York can observe a day apart from Delhi. Smarta and Vaishnava traditions also differ on some fasting days. The date above follows the popular North-Indian convention for Delhi; the Bela app recomputes for your exact location.
When is Sheetala Ashtami in 2027?
Sheetala Ashtami in 2027 falls on Monday, 29 March 2027. Full windows and notes are on the Sheetala Ashtami 2027 page, linked below.