Maha Saptami

Observed every year during the Shukla Paksha or the bright half of the lunar month during the month of Ashwin according to the Bengali calendar, it is usually considered the first day of the main Durga Puja festivities.

Technically, the festivities start on Maha Sashti, the day before Saptami but most organizations declare holidays starting from Saptami.

The festival is most prominently celebrated in West Bengal, but it is also observed with enthusiasm in Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

Significance of Durga Saptami

On Saptami, we celebrate the strength and divinity of Maa Durga. Saptami translates to the seventh day meaning it is the seventh day of the Durga Puja celebration, but the real celebrations start from this day. 

This day marks the beginning of the battle between Maa Durga and Mahisasura and is also known for several unique and sacred rituals.

Durga Saptami is significant for the symbolism of Maa Durga as she represents the power of good over evil, courage, and divine feminine energy.

The day encourages devotees to seek strength, wisdom, and protection in their lives. 

Rituals Of Maha Saptami

There are several rituals that are observed on this day including:

Kola Bou Snan:

The ritual of Kola Bou Snan is performed in the early morning of Saptami mostly by women which marks that Durga Puja has officially begun.

Kola Bou is the literal Bengali translation for Banana Bride which means that on this day a tender banana plant is bathed in the Holy water of River Ganges.

As part of the ritual, the plant is first purified and then dressed in a traditional white saree with a red border, symbolizing the attire of a Bengali bride.

It is further adorned with ornaments and decorations, embodying the appearance of a newlywed, which reflects the deep cultural reverence attached to the ceremony

Although, the banana plant is the main part, eight other plants that are considered holy in the Bengali culture are tied to its stem. 

This practice constitutes the Nabapatrika, representing the sacred embodiment of Nava Durga, the nine powerful forms of Maa Durga.

According to popular mythology, the Banana Bride or Kola Bou is sometimes regarded as the wife of Lord Ganesha. However, many traditions interpret her instead as a symbolic manifestation of Maa Durga in the form of a sacred plant, a belief that continues to inspire debate.

Pran Pratishtha

After Kola Bou Snan, it is installed beside Lord Ganesha beside the idol of Maa Durga. This symbolizes the official summoning of Maa Durga into the idol.

This process is known as Pran Pratishtha which translates to infusing life where Maa Durga's presence is invited to bless us with her divine presence into the idol.

Pushpanjali and Bhog

After that, it is time for Pushpanjali, the ritual of worship through flower offerings and the chanting of mantras.

Special bhog and prasad are then distributed as her blessings, usually consisting of khichuri bhog (rice and lentil), labra (mixed vegetable curry), luchi, and sweets like sandesh and rasgulla.

Cultural Event

Several clubs and localities organize traditional events featuring dances, music, heartwarming performances often inviting popular celebrities. 

Durga Saptami Celebrations In West Bengal

Durga Saptami is celebrated with great grandiose across the state of West Bengal. The city of joy Kolkata is decorated like a new bride. 

People are buzzing all around and everyone is dressed and happy. Everywhere you look there are pandals based on different themes and lots of food stalls. 

From hopping from one spot to another, to enjoying local delicacies, it is no less than a royal event.

In cities like Siliguri, it is pretty much the same where everyone comes together but adds their own personal touch.

In more remote areas like Birbhum and Katwa, the festival feels more ethnic and traditional as you will get a taste of harvest traditions, folk songs, and a sense of simplicity. 

History tells a tale in towns like Bishnupur where the Durga Puja in the Mrinmoyee Temple is very popular and has been happening for hundreds of years. 

Even the hills of Darjeeling and the industrial town of Asansol celebrate in their own style, showing how one festival can carry so many flavors across the same state.

Durga Saptami is a vital day in the Durga Puja celebrations, marking the start of Goddess Durga's battle against evil forces.

With its rich rituals, cultural activities, and spiritual significance, it is a day for devotion, reflection, and celebration.

Observed with great enthusiasm in West Bengal and other parts of Eastern India, Durga Saptami continues to be a festival that blends faith, culture, and community spirit.

Durga Saptami is not just a day of worship but a celebration of culture, courage, and divine feminine power.

Know more about Durga Puja .