New Delhi: The five-day festival of Durga Puja commenced on Monday started with Shashthi celebrations as Bengalis engaged in the biggest revelry of the year. With celebrations being muted for the second year in a row owing to the coronavirus pandemic, devotees are observing the second day of the grand festival - Saptami with much fervour. The next three days will be observed as Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami.
On these grand festival days, people indulge in pandal-hopping, visit their friends, relatives and feast on delicious food.
Today also marks the seventh day of the 10-day Navratri where Goddess Kalaratri, the fiercest and violent appearance of Goddess Durga is worshipped.
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On the day of Shashthi, the face of the Durga idol is unveiled and several rituals are performed including kalprarambha, bodhon, amontron, and odhibash. The beginning of the Pujo is known as Kalprarambha.
In fact, the ritual related to unveiling the face of the Durga idol is known as bodhon performed in the evening.
Significance Of Saptami
It is said that Maa Durga started the battle against Mahishasura on this day which ended on the day after Navratri, a day which is known as Vijaya Dashmi. This victory symbolizes the victory over evil by the good senses.
Saptami puja rituals start with the immersion of a banana tree in sacred water just around dawn. The tree is then draped in a saree which is worshipped with flowers, incense, and sandalwood paste. The tree is then referred to as kola bou or ‘banana (plant) bride’ and placed next to Lord Ganesha. Another significant ritual includes the sacred bath of the Nabapatrika or nine leaves.
It comprises leaves from nine plants representing nine forms of Shakti — Brahmani (banana), Kalika (colacassia), Durga (turmeric), Kartiki (jayanti), Shiva (wood apple), Raktadantika (pomegranate), Sokrahita (ashoka), Chamunda (arum) and Lakshmi (paddy). All the nine leaves are bathed in the river Ganga after being tied with Koyala and Aparajita plants. This marks Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Here are wishes on Saptami to share with your family and friends
Let the festive spirit embrace you and your dear ones on this special occasion. Wishing you a Happy Maha Saptami!
Durga Puja is a blessed time, Rejoice in the glories of Maa Durga, Celebrate all the blessings of Goddess, With your friends, family, and acquaintances, Happy Maha Saptami!
May this festival fill your life with the colours of happiness and prosperity, that bring joy to you and your loved ones. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga be always with you. Happy Maha Saptami!
On the pious occasion, I wish that Maa Durga bestow you and your family with fame, glory, happiness, health, and good fortune….. Subho Maha Saptami to you!!!
Let the festive spirit embrace you and your dear ones on this special occasion. Wishing you a Happy Maha Saptami!
Durga Puja is a blessed time, Rejoice in the glories of Maa Durga, Celebrate all the blessings of Goddess, With your friends, family, and acquaintances, Happy Maha Saptami!