Sheetala Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, celebrated eight days after Holi across India

The festival honours Goddess Sheetala, who is believed to protect devotees from diseases, infections and skin ailments. Sheetala Ashtami falls on the eighth day after Holi and is one of the most widely observed festivals in North and Central India

Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath and visit Sheetala Mata temples to offer prayers and seek the goddess's blessings

Women observe a fast on Sheetala Ashtami and prepare food a day in advance to offer to the goddess the next morning

Thousands of devotees throng Sheetala Mata temples across the country, offering flowers, vermillion and cold food to the goddess

One of the most unique traditions of Sheetala Ashtami is Basoda — the practice of eating stale food prepared the previous day. On Sheetala Ashtami, no fire is lit in the kitchen, families eat cold food cooked

Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Sheetala on this day brings good health, prosperity and protection from illness for the entire family

The festival also marks the transition from the cold winter season to the hot summer months, with devotees praying for protection from heat-related ailments

The festival holds deep cultural significance, especially for mothers who fast and pray for the health and well-being of their children

Sheetala Ashtami is a reminder of the importance of hygiene, health and gratitude, values that remain relevant even today

A woman offers prayers on the occasion of 'Sheetala Ashtami', at 'Alopi Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Mandir', in Prayagraj.