Noida: Durga Puja is considered highly auspicious. Ma Durga in her nine forms descends to Earth from her world and grants boons of Health, wealth, prosperity, success, auspiciousness, power, and wisdom. It is also the celebration of womanhood and its power. In Sanatana Dharma, it is believed that Goddess Durga, a woman, is the only and ultimate source of power and strength that is operating the whole world and every bit of power is derived from her.
Navpatrika Puja 2023 is observed on the day of Maha Saptami
It is also known by the name of Kalabau Puja in some parts of India. In the states of Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, Maa Durga is worshipped by 9 different kinds of leaves. The worship of nine leaves or Navpatrika Puja holds great importance. In these leaves, the leaves of Banana, Turmeric, Pomegranate, Ashok, Paddy, Wood Apple, Barley, Kachvi, and Tea tree leaves are taken.
Date And Time Of Navpatrika Puja 2023
Navpatrika Puja 2023 will be celebrated on 21st October 2023, Saturday. The Saptami Tithi will start on the night of 20th October 2023 at 11:26 P.M. and it will end on the night of the next day on 21st October 2023 at 09:55 P.M.
Importance Of 9 Leaves In Navpatrika Puja
Each leaf holds a special place in the Navpatrika Puja. These nine leaves are used in the worship of Goddess Durga and are a symbol of goddess and deity.
1- The Banana tree, its root, and its leaves are considered a symbol of Goddess Brahmani.
2- The Kachvi plant is a symbol of Mother Goddess Kali.
3- The Turmeric plant represents Mother Goddess Durga herself.
4 – The Barley Plant (Jaun) and its leaves are a symbol of Goddess Durga’s Kartiki form.
5 – The Pomegranate Plant is associated with Goddess Raktdantika.
6 – The Ashok’s tree and its leaves are a symbol of Cooperation.
7 – The Manka plant is associated with Goddess Chamunda.
8 – Dhaan(Paddy) leaves are considered a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi.
Importance Of Navpatrika Puja 2023
In many parts of India, Navpatrika Puja is known by the name of Kalabau Puja and on this day farmers also worship Goddess Durga for good crop production. The farmers pray to Goddess Durga on Navpatrika or Kalabau that this year their fields shall produce a bumper crop harvest. On this day, farmers worship Mother Nature in the form of a goddess and pray to her for good crop produce and an increase in money and resources. During the winter season, when the farmers harvest their crops, they perform Navpatrika Puja.
Worship Method Of Navpatrika Puja
Goddess Durga is worshipped and invoked in Navpatrika Puja. All those 9 leaves are tied together and they are bathed in any sacred river or a pond.
If there is no river or a pond near anyone’s home, they can perform Navpatrika Bath in their home also. The water falling from the leaves is sprinkled upon oneself. After that, they are purified by many types of water, first of all, Gangajal is sprinkled on the leaves, After that rainwater is sprinkled, and after that water from the Saraswati River is sprinkled. After that seawater is sprinkled on the leaves and after that water from a pond is poured on the leaves. Finally, water from a waterfall is poured on these leaves.
After Navpatrika Puja, Bengali women wear a white-colored Saree with a Red-colored border. The Navpatrika is also decorated by this Saree and a garland of flowers is offered on it. It is believed that the Navpatrika should be decorated like a traditional Bengali bride.
In Navpatrika puja, there is a tradition of consecrating life after bathing. Clean the place of worship and install the idol or statue of Mother Goddess Durga there. You can also decorate the worship place with flowers and lights.
After that, Shodashopachar Puja (sixteen-step offering in worship) is done in which Goddess Durga is worshipped with 16 different objects. Now, Navpatrika is established in the form of an idol and it is worshipped. A tilak (mark) of sandalwood (chandan) is made on the forehead of the idol and it is worshipped after offering fruits and flowers. On the right side of Navpatrika, Lord Ganesha’s idol is placed and finally, Goddess Durga’s Maha Aarti is performed. After the aarti, the sacrament is distributed among the devotees present there.