Durga Puja celebrations have already begun, and devotees are enthusiastically performing various rituals. However, many of these rituals remain unknown to most people. One particularly interesting ritual involves dressing banana trees as Indian brides. Yes, you read that right—devotees perform a special puja with banana trees, adorning them like a bride, as part of the festival traditions. Keep reading to know more about this ritual.
What Is Kola Bou Ritual In Durga Puja Festival?
On the seventh day of the Durga Puja festival, which is also celebrated as Saptami, devotees follow an interesting ritual. It begins with giving a ceremonial bath to a banana tree, and they are then carried to the ‘groom’ in a palki. After reaching the puja place, they they dress a banana tree as an Indian bride, complete with red vermilion and a saree, and place it beside the Lord Ganesh idol and other deities.
According to Sambad English, these adorned trees are referred to as ‘Kola Bou’, and they play an important role in the rituals. The banana tree dressed as a bride is prayed to as the wife of Lord Ganesha. And during the ritual, she is worshipped with flowers, sandalwood paste, and an incense stick. The Kola Bou puja is an integral part of the Navapatrika ritual, where nine plants are tied together to symbolise different forms of the goddess. In this tradition, the Kola Bou itself represents the divine feminine power and is worshipped as a manifestation of Goddess Durga.
Other Durga Puja Rituals
The other rituals performed during the Durga Puja festival are:
1. Chokkhu Daan
The ritual of painting Goddess Durga’s eyes is done only in the sculptor’s presence. It’s considered the most sacred and emotional stage of idol-making.
2. Punya Matti
Clay for the idols is collected from the Hooghly River, mixed with soil from outside a prostitute’s house. This tradition symbolises equality and that everyone is embraced by the Goddess.
3. Dhunuchi Dance
Devotees perform an energetic dance holding dhunuchi (incense burners) filled with burning coconut husk and dhuno, creating a smoky devotional atmosphere.
4. Kumari Puja
Introduced by Swami Vivekananda, this ritual honours little girls as embodiments of Goddess Durga. They are dressed in yellow sarees and adorned with jewellery before worship.
5. Sandhi Puja
One of the most significant rituals, performed at night with offerings like 108 lotus flowers, 108 lamps, hibiscus garlands, rice, clothes, and vermillion. It commemorates the moment Goddess Durga revealed her third eye.
Which of these Durga Puja rituals have you heard of? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: Durga Puja 2025: Did You Know Goddess Durgas Ornaments, Daker Saaj, Has A German Connection?
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