Accra:Maha Saptami, marking the seventh day of Devi Paksha during Durga Puja, is celebrated with much reverence across Bangladesh and around the world. A significant ritual that takes place on this day is the Nabapatrika Snan, also known as Kalabou Snan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Nabapatrika Snan involves the ceremonial bathing of a banana plant, along with eight other plants, tied together and dressed in a red-bordered white saree. This ritual is performed with sacred water in the morning of Maha Saptami.
The nine plants, collectively referred to as Nabapatrika, embody various forms of divine energy and symbolize the abundance of nature. Once the ritual bath is completed, Nabapatrika is taken to the Durga Puja pandal to be worshipped alongside Goddess Durga.
This tradition highlights the integral connection between nature, fertility, prosperity, and spirituality. Nabapatrika Snan enriches the Durga Puja festivities, reminding devotees of the sanctity of nature and the divine power of the Mother Goddess.
During the ritual, Kala Bou or Nabapatrika is placed next to Lord Ganesha. Despite being adorned in a bridal appearance, this figure is not Ganesha's wife, as often believed, but represents his mother, Goddess Durga. The ritual signifies the invocation of Shakti into nature before the main clay idol is infused with life.