Durga Puja Saptami is the next day of Sashti. In the day of Saptami devotee believed that on this day Goddess begins her battle against the demon Mahishasura. It is said that on this day, the goddess is invoked into the idols, and she begins her powerful journey of slaying evil forces. The main rituals of the Durga Puja begin, and devotees come together to honor the goddess.
Durga Puja Day and time: Saptami
Saptami is the seventh day of the Durga Puja and Navaratri, which is the second day of Durga Puja. On this the goddess is invok into the idols (Pran Pratistha), and she begins her powerful journey of slaying evil forces.
In the year 2024, Durga Puja Saptami will celebrate on October 10, 2024.
Maha Saptami Tithi Start: October 9, 2024 – 07:32 am,
Maha Saptami Tithi End: October 10, 2024 – 07:24 am.
Durga Puja Saptami Rituals:
1. Pran Pratistha: Saptami Day begins with the Pran Pratistha, a ritual where Goddess’s spirit invoke into the idol of Goddess Durga. This ritual is perform by priest by chanting mantras and sprinkling holy water on the idol.
2. Navapatrika Snan and Puja: The Navapatrika known as Kola Bou is one of the important ritual of Saptami. Navapatrika means nine plant which symbolized nine forms of Goddess Durga. The nine plants are:
- Banana plant (Kola): Represents Goddess Brahmani
- Turmeric plant (Haldi): Goddess Durga
- Pomegranate (Dalim): Goddess Rakta Dantika
- Jayanti plant: Goddess Kartiki
- Ashoka tree: Goddess Shokarahita
- Colocasia (Kochu): Goddess Kalika
- Rice paddy (Dhan): Goddess Lakshmi
- Bamboo (Bajai): Goddess Chamunda
- Arum (Manaka): Goddess Chandika
Navapatrika snan means bathed the nine plants into holy water at dawn, usually in the pond and river. Then this plants dress up in a traditional white and red border saree. This is placed nest the idol of Durga, which symbolized the union of nature of the goddess.
3. Saptami Puja: After Navaptrika placed, the Saptami Puja conduct with full devotion. The priest chants mantras and offered flowers, fruits, sweets, bhog, and many other scared item. The priest also conducts the Chalchitra, a special form of painting, as a part of worship.
4. Pushpanjali: After puja people gathered wearing new clothes and offered flower as Pushpanjali while chanting mantras and prayers. This is done multiple times as a sign of devotion.
5. Aarti: In morning and evening Aarti will perform of the goddess Durga. In Aarti priest waves lamps, incense and other offerings. People used play conch shell, Dhak etc.
6. Distributing Bhog: After Puja the bhog offered to Goddess Durga were distributed among devotee as Prashad.
7. Evening Celebration: In evening of the day devotees participate in cultural events, traditional dances, and musical performances.
Some Wishes and Greeting are:
- May the divine blessings of Goddess Durga fill your life with strength, wisdom, and happiness. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Saptami!
- On this auspicious Saptami, may the power of Durga Maa guide you through life’s challenges and bring peace and prosperity to your home.
- Wishing you a Saptami filled with love, laughter, and the divine presence of Maa Durga. May she protect and bless you always!
- May Durga Maa shower her blessings upon you and your family, giving you the courage to conquer all obstacles. Subho Saptami!
- As the battle between good and evil begins, may you be blessed with strength, resilience, and success in all your endeavors. Subho Saptami!
- Let the divine light of Durga Puja Saptami brighten your life and fill your heart with peace, joy, and endless blessings.
- On this Saptami, may the goddess bring you health, wealth, and happiness. May you always walk the path of righteousness under her guidance.
- Wishing you a vibrant Saptami filled with devotion, celebration, and the grace of Durga Maa. May she protect you from all evil!
- May the blessings of Goddess Durga on this Saptami bring you prosperity, strength, and unshakable faith to achieve your dreams.
- As we celebrate Saptami, may Durga Maa grant you peace of mind, a strong spirit, and boundless joy. Wishing you a blessed Durga Puja!