Pachra is a kind of devotional song serving a special purpose. It is mostly sung when someone is afflicted by the dreaded smallpox. This song is sung to please Goddess Seetala, who is believed to be the ruling deity of the disease. The Neem plant (Azadirachta Indica), which has a curing effect on the disease, is believed to be dear to the goddess. The Pachra songs usually describe the goddess as standing near the tree or enjoying a swing on it.
Pachra songs are also sung on other special occasions.
