Maha Saptami is the holy festival celebrated during Durga Puja. Here are Maha Saptami 2021 date puja rituals and celebration ideas for the day.
Maha Saptami 2021 Date
Maha Saptami is the 7th day of the 10 day long Durga Puja. Maha Saptami is also known as Saptami means 7 in the Sanskrit language. Maha Saptami 2021 date falls on 12th October and on Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month according to the Hindu calendar.
Shardiya Navratri is a festival that is joyfully and enthusiastically celebrated by millions across India and abroad. It marks the end of monsoons and an inauspicious period, and the beginning of a long festive period. Adi Shakti Maa Durga is worshipped in nine different forms during these nine days. Shardiya Navratri starts on the first day of the Lunar month of Ashwin (Shukla Paksha).
The last three days are particularly significant, beginning with Maha Saptami. This period is also known as Durga Puja, particularly in the Eastern regions of India.
What is the Significance of Maha Saptami?
On the 7th day of Shardiya Navratri or Durga Puja, Maa Durga started the battle against Mahishasura. It ended on the day after Navratri, a day which is known as Vijaya Dashmi. This victory symbolizes the overcoming of evil by the good senses in one’s own mind. Durga Mata is worshipped in the form of Kaalratri – the fearsome form of Adi Shakti, on Maha Saptami.
What are the rituals of Maha Saptami?
In Maha Saptami following rituals and puja are conducted.
Maha Saptami and Nine plants
Nabapatrika
On the day of Maha Saptami, nine plants are taken to a ghat of the Ganga river and bathed in the waters before sunrise. If the ghat is too far or not practical, then Ganga Jal is used. These nine plants represent the nine forms of Durga Mata. Eight of these forms (Ashta Nayika) assisted Durga Mata in Her battle with Mahishasura. The ninth form is Durga Mata Herself.
Saraswati Puja
Mata Saraswati is also worshipped on Maha Saptami. Books and musical instruments are kept and the Goddess is prayed to for success in the quest for knowledge.
Mahasnan
In this ritual, a mirror represents Durga Mata. It is placed in a position to reflect the Goddess’ image and bathed with Ganga Jal.
Pran Pratishtha
In this ritual, a pot is filled with water and a coconut is placed on the top. Five mango leaves are tied around the neck of the pot which is placed in front of the Goddess. After that a puja consisting of 16 steps (Shodashopchar) is done, accompanied by the chanting of Mantras.
Festive Atmosphere Across the Country
Maha Saptami is the seventh day of the Durga Puja celebrations. The festive spirit and celebration time starts on the first day of this Shardiya Navratri.
Decorated pandals with the Goddess’ murti can be seen in multiple locations, accompanied by loud music and occasional dancing by enthusiasts. Crowds of devotees throng to the pandals. Celebrations are not complete without street food and mithais (Sweet-meats) which are in great demand. Feasting at home and outside is done. New clothes, electronic gadgets, cars, and more are high on the purchase list of people.
Navratri and Durga Puja are indeed India’s highly popular festivals – with Diwali – another mega-festival just 20 days away!
Happy Maha Saptami!
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