Basoda 2026: Devotees Throng Kashipur's Siddha Peeth for Sheetala Ashtami Worship

• The Basoda festival, also known as Sheetala Ashtami, is being celebrated at Kashipur's historic Siddha Peeth Shri Sheetala Mata Temple.
• Devotees are continuously flocking to the temple to pray for happiness, prosperity, and protection from seasonal diseases.
• Mother Sheetala is revered as an 'incarnation who removes diseases' and is also known by sacred names like Mahakali, Nagar Kot Devi, and Masani Mata.
• Traditional offerings include turmeric paste, raw milk, coconut, chana dal, jaggery, poori, and mustard oil; stale food (Basoda) is also offered.
• Special worship is scheduled for March 10 and 11, with robust arrangements made by the temple administration for smooth darshan.