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New Delhi: Sheetla Ashtami, also known as Basoda, is a deeply significant Hindu festival dedicated to Maa Sheetla, the goddess associated with purity, protection from diseases, and overall well-being. One of the most unique traditions of this day is the preparation of cold or stale-but-pure food items, known as “Basi Bhog.” These dishes are cooked a day before the festival, as fire is traditionally not used on Sheetla Ashtami.

Devotees believe that offering this cold bhog to Maa Sheetla brings prosperity, health, and spiritual cleansing to the household. Here is a complete guide to the cold food items you can prepare as bhog for Sheetla Mata in 2026.

A classic preparation for Basoda, pooris are made a day earlier and stored properly. They remain soft and fresh even the next morning. Pooris symbolise prosperity and are an essential part of the bhog thali.

A simple potato curry without onions and garlic is usually prepared. When cooled, it thickens slightly and tastes delicious with poori. This dish is considered pure and ideal for Sheetla Mata’s offering.

Boondi stays fresh without refrigeration and is offered as a sweet treat to Maa Sheetla. Its bright colour and sweetness add a festive touch to the bhog.

Curd is naturally cooling, making it a perfect addition to Sheetla Ashtami offerings. Many devotees prepare plain curd, sweet curd, or boondi raita a day before.

A classic cooling combination, this is a sattvic dish that provides comfort and freshness. It is often prepared the night before and chilled naturally.

Made with wheat flour and jaggery, gulgule stay soft and fresh for hours. They are a traditional sweet offered during Basoda, especially in North Indian households.

Churma prepared with ghee and jaggery stays good for long and is a nourishing, sweet addition to the bhog thali. It is easy to prepare in advance.

The concept of offering cold food is deeply symbolic. As Maa Sheetla is associated with curing heat-related ailments, fevers and infections, devotees honour her by refraining from using fire on this day. Cold food offerings represent calmness, healing energy, and devotion to the goddess who protects her followers from diseases.