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Maha Saptami – Durga Puja Saptami 2024

Maha Saptami, or Durga Puja Saptami, is observed on the seventh day of the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Aashin, or Aswhina month. Durga Puja Saptami 2024 date is October 10. Pran Pratishta, Kolabou, Bodhan are the most important rituals performed on the day.


During dawn, just as the first light of sun descents on earth, Kolabau or Kola Bou rituals are performed. The Pran Pratishta, or life, is breathed into the idol of Goddess Durga. The ritual is performed on the Ghats of a river or pond. The idol of Goddess Durga is not taken to the pond instead life is symbolically transferred from water to plantain tree.

The Kolabau ritual is an elaborate one and the stem of the banana tree is draped in a new red and white saree and the leaves are left uncovered.

The ‘kolabau’ is brought back in a procession and it is placed near Lord Ganesha in the Durga Puja Pandal.