Durga Puja: Maha Saptami, the seventh day of Durga Puja, marks the sacred beginning of the Goddess’s triumph over Mahishasura. From Nabapatrika Puja to grand pandals, the day blends ritual, devotion, and cultural splendour
Durga Puja 2025
On Maha Saptami, the air hums with dhak beats, rivers witness Nabapatrika’s holy bath, and pandals glow with devotion. It is the dawn of Durga’s battle, where faith conquers fear, light defeats darkness, and communities unite in prayer and celebration, honouring the divine power of Shakti in her fiercest, most protective form.
Maha Saptami heralds the formal commencement of Durga Puja’s core rituals. According to tradition, it was on this day that Goddess Durga set out to battle the demon king Mahishasura. The day represents the eternal triumph of righteousness over darkness. Spiritually, Saptami emphasizes strength, fearlessness, and the power of the divine feminine.
- Nabapatrika Puja (Kola Bou Snan): Nine plants — banana, turmeric, pomegranate, ashoka, jayanti, arum, rice paddy, bilva, and colocasia — are tied together, bathed in a river or pond, and worshipped as living symbols of Durga’s divine energies.
- Prana Pratishtha: The invocation ritual where life is ceremonially infused into the idol of Maa Durga with mantras, conch shells, and dhak beats.
- Shodashopachara Puja: A sixteen-step ritual offering flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
- Pushpanjali & Aarti: Devotees offer flowers with chants of “Durga Durga” and perform evening aarti with dhunuchi (incense burners), creating a rhythmic, devotional atmosphere.
- Cultural Additions: Some regions also conduct Maha Snan (purification bath of the idol), chanting of Chandi Path, and initiation of dance and music programs in pandals.
Though Durga Puja is celebrated across India, Maha Saptami has a unique cultural grandeur in the east:
- West Bengal: Pandals dazzle with themes, artistry, and cultural shows. Nabapatrika immersion in rivers like the Ganga is a key highlight.
- Assam and Tripura: Devotees organize devotional music sessions and folk performances alongside puja.
- Odisha: Traditional Chandi Patha and temple rituals are performed with great devotion.
- Pan-India Observance: Many devotees observe fasting, wear the day’s auspicious color (usually white or yellow), and participate in community feasts.
Beyond rituals, Maha Saptami inspires timeless values. It teaches that courage and devotion can overcome all negativity. The symbolism of Durga’s battle reminds us that resilience, inner purity, and collective strength can defeat fear, obstacles, and despair. The day is thus both a cultural festivity and a spiritual awakening.
- On this sacred Maha Saptami, may Maa Durga shower you with courage, wisdom, and positivity. May all your obstacles vanish and your life be filled with strength and joy.
- Wishing you and your family a blessed Maha Saptami. May the divine energy of Goddess Durga protect your home and guide you towards peace, happiness, and prosperity.
- As the dhak beats echo and the Nabapatrika is worshipped, may this Maha Saptami bring new beginnings, endless blessings, and the triumph of good fortune in your life.
- On Maha Saptami, may Maa Durga’s divine presence illuminate your heart, remove negativity, and inspire you to walk the path of truth, courage, and compassion.
- Wishing you a vibrant and spiritual Maha Saptami. May the Goddess grant you resilience to face challenges, strength to conquer fear, and joy that lasts forever.
