Maha Saptami is the holy festival celebrated during Durga Puja. Here are Saptami 2024 date puja rituals and celebration ideas for the day.
Durga Puja Saptami Date
Saptami is the 7th day of the 10-day-long Durga Puja. It is also known as Saptami means 7 in the Sanskrit language. Maha Saptami 2024 date falls on the 10th of 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, 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.
Maha Saptami 2024 Date & Time
Saptami Tithi Begins: 9th October, 2024 at 09:53 PM
Saptami Tithi Ends: 10th October, 2024 at 11:11 PM
What is the Significance of 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.
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What are the rituals of Maha Saptami?
In Maha Saptami following rituals and puja are conducted.
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 impractical, 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 positioned 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.
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Festive Atmosphere Across India
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 people’s purchase lists.
Navratri and Durga Puja are indeed India’s highly popular festivals with Diwali another mega-festival just 20 days away!
FAQs on Maha Saptami
Kalaratri (Goddess of Auspiciousness and Courage) is worshipped on the 7th day i.e., Saptami.
Maa Kalaratri loves pomegranate.
The grey colour is considered a special colour to wear on Saptami.
Maha Saptami tithi begins on 9th October, 2024 at 09:53 PM and ends on 10th October, 2024 at 11:11 PM
Maha Saptami is an auspicious festival. It marks the beginning of the main festival – Durga Puja with various rituals, prayers and cultural events taking place.
