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Mahasaptami, or Saptami, is the seventh day of the 10-day Durga Puja festival
It marks the beginning of the main Durga Puja rituals. Here are some key facts about Mahasaptami:
Mahasaptami marks the formal beginning of Durga Puja, symbolizing the invocation of Goddess Durga to the mortal world
A significant part of Mahasaptami is the Kola Bou Snan (bathing of the banana plant), which represents Lord Ganesha's wife
The Nabapatrika, consisting of nine different plants, including the banana plant, is worshipped.
Elaborate rituals are performed during Mahasaptami, including offerings, chanting of hymns, and aarti
Mahasaptami is believed to mark the beginning of the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura
Devotees prepare special dishes and offer them as bhog (food offering) to the goddess
Mahasaptami sets the tone for the grand celebrations and devotion that follow during Durga Puja.