Sitala Puja is dedicated to Goddess Sitala in the month of
Chaitra (March – April) as per the traditional calendar followed in North India . Sitala Puja 2024 date is April 2. Sitala
Mata Puja and Vrat is observed on the eighth day (ashtami) of the Krishna
Paksha (waning phase of moon) in Chaitra month. The popular belief is that
observing this Vrata will help in curing various diseases.
Goddess Sitala is propitiated to get rid of several diseases
like chickenpox. A unique ritual of offering stale food is observed during
Sitala Puja. Food need for Sheetala Ashtami puja is prepared a day before in
advance.
People offer various food items to the Sitala Mata on the
day. People also feed old people on the day and take their blessings.
It must be noted here that some communities observe the
eighth day of Krishna Paksha of every month as Sitala Ashtami. But the most
auspicious one is the Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami.