Maha Saptami – October 21, 2023 #Dr Vijay Pawar CMD, Delhi Public International School India.
Maha Saptami is an important day in the celebration of Durga Puja, a major Hindu festival that commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It falls on the seventh day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin, which typically corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. As you mentioned, in 2023, Maha Saptami falls on October 21.
During Durga Puja, elaborate preparations and rituals are performed, and the festival is celebrated with great fanfare and devotion. The festival usually spans nine days and nights, with the first day being known as Maha Shashthi, followed by Maha Saptami, and so on until Maha Dashami, which is the concluding day of the festival.
On Maha Saptami, the main highlight is the Maha Puja or Great Ceremony, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga. This ceremony involves elaborate rituals and offerings to the goddess. Priests perform puja (worship) in the presence of a beautifully adorned idol of Durga, often depicted with ten arms, symbolizing her supreme power. Devotees fast and gather at pandals (temporary temples or community centers) where these idols are installed to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess.
The legend of Durga's victory over Mahishasura is a central theme of the festival. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The goddess is believed to have received her divine weapons and powers from various deities, and with her strength, she defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura, who was causing chaos and terror in the world.
Durga Puja is not only a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza, especially in regions like West Bengal in India, where it is one of the most significant festivals. It involves artistic decorations, traditional dances, music, and a strong sense of community participation. The festival typically concludes with the immersion of Durga idols in rivers or other water bodies on Maha Dashami, marking the departure of the goddess and the end of the festivities.
HISTORY OF MAHA SAPTAMI
Durga Puja is indeed one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in the state of West Bengal. The festival honors the Hindu goddess Durga, who symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The legend you mentioned about the battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura and its culmination on Vijaya Dashami is a central theme of the festival.
The story of Lord Rama praying to Goddess Durga before his battle with Ravana is not commonly associated with Durga Puja. It is more closely related to the festival of Dussehra, which commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. However, during Durga Puja, the focus is primarily on the worship of Goddess Durga and her divine power.
The rituals you described are an integral part of Durga Puja, and they add to the grandeur and spiritual significance of the festival. The Navapatrika, Mahasnan, and Prana Prathishta are all rituals performed with devotion to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga and pay homage to her divine energy.
Durga Puja typically involves beautifully crafted idols of the goddess and her four children, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kartikeya, which are displayed in pandals (temporary structures) and are the centre of attraction during the festival. People visit these pandals, participate in cultural programs, and enjoy traditional food and sweets. The entire atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and a sense of community celebration.
The 10-day Durga Puja festival culminates with Vijaya Dashami, where the idols are immersed in water, symbolizing the departure of the goddess and her family. This immersion, known as "Visarjan," is a grand procession and marks the end of the festival.
Durga Puja is not only a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of India, especially in the state of West Bengal, where it is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and grandeur.
MAHA SAPTAMI TIMELINE
These historical milestones are related to Durga Puja celebrations. Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated with much enthusiasm and grandeur, primarily in the Indian state of West Bengal. Here's a brief explanation of the events you mentioned:
1. 1500s - First Historic Record in West Bengal: The 1500s mark the earliest historical record of Maha Saptami celebrations during Durga Puja in West Bengal. This festival is deeply rooted in Bengali culture and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, who symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
2. 1910 - First Durga Puja in Delhi: In 1910, a group of expatriate Bengalis organized the first community Durga Puja event in Delhi, near Kashmiri Gate. This marks the expansion of Durga Puja celebrations beyond West Bengal and into other parts of India. It's a significant event in the history of the festival, as it began to be celebrated by Bengali communities across the country.
3. 2015 - The Tallest Idol in Kolkata: In 2015, Kolkata, West Bengal, created an 88-feet tall Durga Puja idol and placed it at Deshapriya Park. The making of such a massive idol is a testament to the grandeur and artistic excellence associated with Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal. It draws thousands of visitors every year to witness the breathtaking idols.
4. 2019 - Adorning with Silver Jewellery in Cuttack: In 2019, 97 pandals (temporary structures set up for the festival) in Cuttack, Odisha, India, adorned their respective sculpture idols with silver jewelry as part of the Durga Puja celebration. This demonstrates the diversity and creativity of Durga Puja celebrations across different regions of India, as each place may have its unique customs and traditions associated with the festival.
Durga Puja is a time of great cultural significance and religious fervor, and it's celebrated with much joy and devotion by Bengalis and others across India and around the world. These events highlight the evolution and diversity of Durga Puja celebrations over the years.
HOW TO OBSERVE MAHA SAPTAMI
Visiting a Durga Puja festival is a wonderful way to experience the rich culture and spirituality of India. Here's what you might expect when attending a Durga Puja festival:
1. Elaborate Decorations: Durga Puja pandals (temporary structures where the goddess is worshipped) are known for their extravagant decorations. These can range from traditional to modern themes, and they often depict various aspects of Hindu mythology and culture. The intricate artistry is a sight to behold.
2. Cultural Performances: Durga Puja celebrations often feature cultural programs such as dance, music, and drama. You can witness traditional and contemporary performances that add to the festive atmosphere.
3. Traditional Rituals: The main attraction of the festival is the worship of Goddess Durga. You can observe or participate in various rituals, including the aarti (offering of light to the deity), chanting of hymns, and offering of prasad (sanctified food).
4. Food and Cuisine: Many stalls and vendors at the festival serve a wide array of delicious Indian dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional Bengali sweets and savory snacks, which are a highlight of Durga Puja.
5. Community Spirit: Durga Puja is not just a religious festival but a celebration of community and togetherness. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate and enjoy the festivities. It's a great way to connect with others and learn about the local culture.
6. Spiritual Reflection: As you mentioned, Durga Puja signifies the victory of good over evil. Take some time to reflect on the symbolism of the festival and how it relates to your own life. You can use this occasion to let go of negative thoughts and seek inner peace and positivity.
7. Visit a Temple: If you're attending the festival in India, consider visiting a local temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It's a great opportunity to offer your prayers and experience the spiritual ambience of the temple.
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8. Respect Local Customs: When attending Durga Puja, it's essential to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering the temple or pandal, and be mindful of the significance of the event.
9. Participate Actively: Don't hesitate to participate in the celebrations. You can join in the dancing, and singing, and even help with the puja preparations if you're welcome to do so.
Visiting a Durga Puja festival can be a spiritually enriching and culturally immersive experience. It's a celebration of faith, community, and the triumph of good over evil, and it offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant traditions of India.
5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT MAHA SAPTAMI
Durga Puja is a significant Hindu festival, primarily celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Sikkim. Maha Saptami marks the first day of the Durga Puja festivities, which typically last for several days. During this festival, the goddess Durga is worshipped with great fervor and devotion.
The rituals on Maha Saptami include:
1. Bathing Ritual of Nine Plants: This ritual involves bathing nine different types of plants, which are considered to represent the nine forms or manifestations of Goddess Durga. Each plant symbolizes a different aspect of the goddess's power and is revered during the ceremony.
2. Bathing of the Mirror: A mirror, often symbolizing the goddess's reflection, is also bathed as a part of the rituals on Maha Saptami. This is a symbolic act of purifying the goddess's reflection, which is believed to be an integral part of the puja.
3. Worshipping the Goddess with 16 Special Items: The goddess is worshipped with sixteen different items, including sandalwood paste, vermilion, flowers, incense, a lamp, betel leaves, and more. These offerings are made with great devotion and are considered highly auspicious.
4. Nabapatrika: Nabapatrika is a ritual that involves worshipping nine different leaves, representing the nine forms or avatars of the goddess Durga. These leaves are usually tied together, and this ritual symbolizes the goddess's divine presence in various aspects.
5. Goddess Kali (Kalratri): As you mentioned, Goddess Kali, also known as Kalratri, is another form of Goddess Shakti, often revered during Durga Puja. Kali is known for her fierce and powerful nature and is considered a protector against evil forces.
Durga Puja is marked by elaborate decorations, cultural performances, traditional music, and dance, making it one of the most vibrant and celebrated festivals in India, especially in the states mentioned. It typically occurs in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar, and is a time for people to come together and celebrate the triumph of good over evil through the worship of Goddess Durga.
WHY MAHA SAPTAMI IS IMPORTANT
Maha Saptami is indeed a significant day in the Durga Puja festival, and it carries several layers of meaning and symbolism:
1. Religious Festival: Maha Saptami marks the commencement of the Durga Puja festival, which is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India, particularly in West Bengal. During this festival, people worship Goddess Durga, who is believed to symbolize the divine feminine power or Shakti.
2. Community Gathering: The festival provides an opportunity for people to come together as a community. In the days leading up to Maha Saptami and throughout the Durga Puja festival, neighborhoods and communities set up elaborately decorated temporary structures called "pandals" to house the Durga idol. People visit these pandals, offer prayers, and participate in cultural programs and festivities, fostering a sense of togetherness.
3. Women Empowerment: The story of Goddess Parvati's transformation into the fierce warrior form of Kalratri to vanquish the asuras Shumbha-Nishumbha is a powerful symbol of women's empowerment. It emphasizes the idea that women possess incredible strength and can overcome adversity. This aspect of the festival inspires and honours the strength and resilience of women.
4. Victory Over Evil: Maha Saptami also marks the victory of good over evil, with the defeat of the demon Shumbha-Nishumbha by Goddess Kali. This narrative reminds people of the timeless battle between virtue and malevolence and serves as a moral and spiritual lesson to stand up against evil forces and uphold righteousness.
Overall, Maha Saptami is a religious and cultural celebration that not only signifies the beginning of the Durga Puja festival but also carries rich symbolism, emphasizing themes of community, women's empowerment, and the triumph of good over evil. It's a time for prayer, reflection, and rejoicing in the presence of the divine feminine energy.
Thanks & Regards,
Chairman
Delhi Public International School
Dr, Vijay Pawar
MBBS, MD (Psychiatric)
Forensic Expert
Harvard University Boston (U.S.A)
+91-853 0438 381