Maha Saptami – Durga Puja Saptami 2026 - Rituals And Pujas

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 2026 date is October 17. Pran Pratishta, Kolabou, Bodhan are the most important rituals performed on the day.

The Kalika Purana says: “bodhayed bilva-śākhāsu ṣaṣṭhyāṁ devī phaleṣu ca”—meaning, on the tithi of Shashthi, the awakening of the goddess must be performed with branches of the bel tree. It further states: “saptamyāṁ bilva-śākhāṁ tām āhṛtya pratipūjayet”—on Saptami, the goddess is to be worshipped again.

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.

Rituals of Maha Saptami

• On the morning of Shukla Paksha Saptami (the seventh day of the bright fortnight), the Goddess is worshipped at the spot of the Bodhon (awakening ceremony), beneath a Bilwa tree (Bael tree). A branch of the Bilwa tree is brought and kept at the place of worship.

• It is on this day that Mother Durga arrives at her paternal home with her family, including her children.

• After the bathing of the Nabapatrika, the ceremony of Pranpratishtha (infusion of life force) is performed for the Goddess. The earthen (mrinmayi) deity becomes the conscious/living (chinmayi) one.

The Nabapatrika Snan (Bathing of the Nine Plants)

• On the day of Saptami, the Nabapatrika Snan ritual takes place at the ghats (steps leading to the river) of the Ganga (Ganges) and other water bodies.

• Nabapatrika is considered to be Durga, the mother of Ganesha, and is an amalgamation of nine different plants.

• These nine plants are: Kola (Banana), Kochu (Arum), Halud (Turmeric), Jayanti, Bel (Bael/Wood Apple), Dalim (Pomegranate), Ashok, Maan (Giant Taro), and Dhaan (Paddy/Rice).

• The other eight plants are tied together with the banana plant, which has its leaves intact. A pair of Bel fruits is also added.

• After being tied with a white Aparajita creeper, the Nabapatrika is draped in a white saree with a red border and adorned as a newlywed bride.

• The Nabapatrika is usually placed on the right side of the Goddess Durga idol.

Commencement of the Maha Puja (Grand Worship)

• Following the entry of the Nabapatrika into the pandal or place of worship, the grand bathing ceremony (Maha Snan) of the Goddess begins.

• The Maha Snan of the Goddess is often performed using a mirror (reflecting the image of the deity).

• After this, the Ghata Sthapan (placement of the sacred water pot) and the Pranpratishtha (infusion of life force) of the Goddess are performed, marking the formal start of the Maha Puja.

• The Goddess is worshipped with Shodashopachara (sixteen traditional items of offering). Offerings of food (Bhog) and Aarti (ritual of light) are performed according to tradition.