Basoda festival is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala and is observed eight days after Holi festival on the Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami day in Rajasthan and other parts of North India. Basoda Festival 2024 date is April 2. The ritual observed on the eighth day of waxing phase of moon in Chaitra month (March – April) is also referred as Basora. Basoda Mantra हृं श्रीं शीतलायै नमः॥ How is Basoda Observed? During Basoda Festival, Goddess Sheetla is propitiated to get rid of several diseases like chickenpox. A unique ritual of offering stale food is observed during Sheetala Ashtami. Food need for Sheetala Ashtami puja is prepared a day before in advance. On the Basoda Festival day people do not cook any food. The food is prepared the previous day and it is then allowed to cool down. On the Basoda festival day, the food is first offered to Goddess Sitala. Every house chooses a special stone which symbolises Goddess Sitala. The stone is then installed on a red cloth and wor