Navpatrika Puja: Wednesday 27th September 2017
Navpatrika Pooja Time
Dawn on Navpatrika Day = 5:48 AM
Observational Sunrise on Navpatrika Day = 6:11 AM
About Navpatrika Pooja:
The first day of Durga Puja is Navpatrika Puja day, which is also known as Maha Saptami. According to Hinduism, it is believed that a living medium is required to invoke the spirit of a deity. Through this living medium devotees can interact with their deity and pay homage. On Bilva Nimantran day Goddess Durga was invoked in Bilva Tree or its branch, before the Goddess was given Puja invitation for the next day.
On Maha Saptami day Goddess Durga is invoked in Navpatrika, which is a group of nine plants. Navpatrika is made by bundling nine different plants, which includes the Bilva tree branch of the previous day. Further, the Navpatrika is given a ritualistic bath in a water body, if possible in a river. Then it is adorned with a red colored or orange colored cloth and placed on a wooden seat on the right side of the image of Goddess Durga.
Maha Saptami Puja starts with Mahasnan. For this, a mirror is placed on a plate in such a way that Goddess Durga’s reflection is seen in the mirror. Ritualistic bath is given to the refection of Goddess Durga in the mirror, using different materials. After the ritualistic bath, Prana Pratishtha ritual is performed, in which image of the Goddess Durga is sanctified. After Prana Pratishtha, Shodashopachar Puja is performed, which involves elaborate worship using sixteen different Puja items.
Seventh day of Durga Puja is finished with Devi Bhog and Aarti. In West Bengal Navpatrika Puja (Nabapatrika Puja) is also known as Kolabou Puja.