Navpatrika Puja or Mahasaptami which is a piece of the Sharad Navratri and Durga Puja. Navpatrika etymologically implies nine leaves and consequently on this day, Goddess Durga is adored by summoning her in nine distinct leaves. Also, it is on this day that the symbols of Goddess Durga in pandals are revealed for the guests to see and love. The principle puja goes on for three days – Mahasaptami, Maha-Ashtami, Mahanavami. The celebration includes reciting Mantras, discussing Shlokas, singing Arati and contributions.
The celebration of Durga Puja, otherwise called “Durgotsava” is committed to Goddess Durga. The five-days celebration is praised during the time of Sharad Navratri in the period of Ashwin. Panchami, Shashti, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami are the main long periods of Durga Puja. The celebrations starts from the fifth day of Navratri (Sharad Navratri) which is known as Bilva Nimantran and comes full circle on the Dashmi Tithi or Vijayadashami.
CELEBRATIONS OF NAVPATRIKA POOJA
Navpatrika Puja is performed on Maha Saptami. A gathering of Nine plants including the part of Bilva tree is adored as Navpatrika, and Goddess Durga is summoned in it. Navpatrika is sanitized with formal washing in water. Navpatrika is improved with a red or Orange shaded material and is put close to the symbol of Goddess Durga. ‘Mahasnan’ is a significant service of Maha Saptami Puja. A mirror is set so that the impression of the Goddess Durga is found in it. The impression of Goddess Durga is offered stylized washing. The function of ‘Prana Pratishthan’ is performed where the symbol of Goddess Durga is sanctified.
FOOD TO BE PREPARED ON NAVPATRIKA POOJA
Hindu devotees fast for nine days during Navratris to appease and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. The amount of days that must be fasted can vary. While many people fast for the entire nine days, some devotees just fast for two days – the first two or the last two days of Navratri.
- Flours and Grains
During the Navratri fast, regular grains such as wheat and rice are forbidden. During Navratri fastings, eat Kuttu ka Atta (buckwheat flour), Singhare ka Atta (water chestnut flour), or Rajgira ka Atta (amaranth flour).
- Fruits
You can eat all types of fruits during Navratri fasting. Some devotees fast only fruits and milk for all these nine days.
- Avoid these food items
Avoid all fast foods, canned foods, and foods prepared with onion or garlic. Fasting devotees should avoid legumes, lentils, rice flour, cornflour, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and semolina during the Navratri season (rava). Non-vegetarian food, eggs, alcohol, smoking, and aerated beverages are all prohibited.
DATE AND PANCHANG
Date: 02 October 2022
Tithi:Saptami upto 18:45
Nakshatra: Mula upto 25:44
Yoga: Saubhagya upto 17:10
First Karana: Gara upto 07:48
Second Karana: Vanija upto 18:45
Day: Sunday