Basoda Festival - Sheetala Ashtami - Happy Women's Day

Hello everyone !!!


Today is a very important Hindu festival in Rajasthan and many other states/cultures. It is commonly knows as Basoda बसोडा or like many people may call it Shitala Ashtami शीतला अष्टमी.


On this day, all 'mothers' make things to be eaten the whole day (or at least one meal), previous night itself. Which means, that they eat "Basi" food (food from previous night) and that is why the name, Basoda. Or, as the food is eaten cold, so the name "Shitala Ashtami". 


In some parts of Rajasthan, people also go to Shitala Mela, to worship Shitla Mata, which is celebrated in Chaitra Masa, Krishna Paksha. This festival comes on the 8th day after Holi (the festival of color).


All cultures have their own menu for this day. But, in my family, we usually make, Roti (रोटी), Kair Sangari (कैर सांगरी) and Gulgule (गुलगुले). I did not have all ingredients for Kair Sangari, so I made Roti (and poori as my son loves it), Aloo Toru Ki Sabzi (आलू तोरू की सब्जी) and Gulgule. I also made some Mawa Malpua last night.


So, at lunch, we will be enjoying our cold lunch from last night.


You can read a little bit more about this festival @ Shitala Ashtami


Wish everyone a very Happy Shitla Ashtami and of course how can I forget Happy Women's Day to fellow women.


Have a wonderful day everyone and take care.
~ Priya