During Durga Puja, along with the gods and goddesses, we see another interesting figure. Her name is Kolabou banana or plantain draped in red saree. Since Kolabou is usually placed beside Ganesha during the Puja, many people think she is Ganesha’s wife.
Kolabou is not Ganesha’s wife; rather, she is the Nabapatrika.
The Nabapatrika is a symbolic form made from the leaves and branches of nine
different plants, and it is an important element of Durga Puja. These nine
plants are:
- Kadali or plantain tree
- Kachu (taro)
- Turmeric
- Jayanti
- Bilva (bael)
- Pomegranate
- Ashoka
- Manakachu
- Paddy (rice plant)
These nine plants are tied together and wrapped with a white
aparajita vine. Then the bundle is draped in a white sari with a red border and
given the appearance of a bride by covering the head with a veil.
So why is Kolabou placed beside Ganesha? There is no
religious or mythological explanation for this. It is simply a part of
customary belief and local tradition. Ganesha is regarded as the remover of
obstacles and the deity who is worshipped first. Since Kolabou is an essential
part of Durga Puja, placing her beside Ganesha symbolizes the purity and
universality of the worship.