In the rhythm of autumn, when the skies turn blue and the air is scented with shiuli flowers, India prepares for one of its most cherished festivals — Durga Puja. Among the five grand days of this festival, Maha Saptami, the seventh day of worship, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees.
In 2025, Maha Saptami falls on Monday, 29th September, marking the official commencement of the main Durga Puja rituals. Let’s explore the date, timing, rituals, and the profound significance of Maha Saptami, which beautifully blends mythology, nature, and devotion.
Maha Saptami Information 2025
| Fact | Details |
| Festival Name | Maha Saptami |
| Date in 2025 | Monday, 29th September |
| Day of Durga Puja | 7th day of worship |
| Tithi (Lunar Day) | Saptami Tithi of Shukla Paksha, Ashwin month |
| Main Rituals | Navapatrika Puja (Kolabou Snan), Kumari Puja, Bhog offering |
| Significance | Beginning of Goddess Durga’s battle against Mahishasura; celebration of divine feminine power & nature |
| Key Regions of Celebration | West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Delhi, and other parts of India |
| Symbolism of Navapatrika | Nine plants representing nine forms of Goddess Durga |
When is Maha Saptami in 2025?
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Maha Saptami is observed on the seventh day (Saptami tithi) of the waxing moon in the Ashwin month. In 2025, this auspicious day arrives on 29th September, right after Shashthi and just before Maha Ashtami.
This date signals the beginning of Durga Puja’s main ceremonial worship. In West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and many parts of eastern India, the entire atmosphere transforms into a vibrant celebration from this day forward.
The Maha Saptami tithi in 2025 starts on the morning of 29th September and continues until the next sunrise, but exact puja timings in different regions like West Bengal and Delhi may vary slightly, so checking a local Panchang is advisable.
The Significance of Maha Saptami
Maha Saptami is not just a day in the calendar; it represents the moment when Goddess Durga begins her battle against the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Mythologically, it is believed that on this day, the goddess infuses her power into nature to cleanse the world of negativity.
In some legends, Maha Saptami is also associated with Lord Rama’s worship of Goddess Durga before his battle with Ravana. As the story goes, Rama offered 108 blue lotuses to the goddess to seek her blessings for victory — a poignant tale that adds to the day’s charm and spiritual meaning.
Navapatrika Puja: The Heart of Maha Saptami
The most significant ritual of Maha Saptami is the Navapatrika Puja, also called Kolabou Puja in Bengal. This unique ceremony connects humans with nature and is steeped in symbolism.
What is Navapatrika?
‘Nava’ means nine, and ‘Patrika’ means leaves or plants. On this day, nine different plants — each representing a form of the goddess — are tied together, bathed, and placed beside the idol of Durga.
The nine plants typically include:
- Banana (symbol of Brahmani)
- Colocasia (Kali)
- Turmeric (Durga)
- Jayanti (Kartiki)
- Pomegranate (Raktadantika)
- Ashoka (Sokrahita)
- Rice paddy (Chandika)
- Bilva (Shiva’s consort)
- Manaka (Maheshwari)
This ritual emphasizes the goddess’s presence in every aspect of nature and the importance of respecting our environment.
Rituals of Maha Saptami
The dawn of Maha Saptami begins with Kola Bou Snan — the ceremonial bathing of the Navapatrika in a river or pond. The plants are then dressed in a sari, often red-bordered, resembling a bride, and brought back to the pandal to be placed next to Durga’s idol.
After the Navapatrika is installed, the pran pratistha (invocation of the goddess’s spirit) takes place. Devotees chant mantras, light incense, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
In many regions, especially in West Bengal and Assam, the day is also marked with:
Kumari Puja: worshipping young girls as the embodiment of the goddess.
- Cultural programs and traditional dances.
- Feasts and distribution of bhog (sacred food offering).
- Maha Saptami Across India
In West Bengal
In Kolkata and other parts of Bengal, the entire city comes alive with music, lights, and vibrant pandals. Families and friends gather to visit pandals and offer prayers. The rhythmic beats of dhak (traditional drum) fill the air, creating a divine atmosphere.
In Delhi
The Maha Saptami 2025 puja timing in Delhi will align with the local sunrise and Saptami tithi. Several community puja committees in CR Park, Kashmere Gate, and other neighborhoods host elaborate ceremonies and cultural performances.
In Odisha and Assam
Similar rituals take place in Odisha and Assam, with added local flavors of devotion and festivity.
Mythological Legends Behind Maha Saptami
According to one popular legend, on the day of Maha Saptami, Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, started losing his power as Goddess Durga began her decisive attack on him. The battle, which had started on Shashthi, intensified on Saptami and culminated in her victory on Vijayadashami.
In another tale, Lord Rama, before his war with Ravana, realized he needed to worship the goddess. As he couldn’t find enough lotuses, he even considered offering one of his eyes to complete the count of 108 lotuses — showing the depth of his devotion.
These stories are retold in homes and temples, reminding us of courage, faith, and the eternal triumph of righteousness.
Why Maha Saptami Matters
Maha Saptami marks the beginning of the divine energy’s active presence among us. It is the day when the goddess is believed to wake up fully and engage in the cosmic battle to restore balance and peace.
The Navapatrika ritual, especially, teaches us about our inseparable connection to nature. By honoring the plants as forms of the goddess, we acknowledge that protecting the environment is part of our spiritual duty.
Preparing for Maha Saptami 2025
If you plan to participate in the celebrations this year, here are a few tips:
- Wake up early to witness or perform the Navapatrika Snan.
- Visit local pandals to offer prayers and feel the festive spirit.
- Wear traditional attire and immerse yourself in the music, dance, and devotion.
- Prepare or partake in bhog, which typically includes khichuri, labra, chutney, and sweets.
- Spend time with family and friends, soaking in the cultural and spiritual richness of the day.
Maha Saptami A Day of Devotion and Joy
Maha Saptami is more than just a festival day; it is a celebration of life, nature, and the divine feminine power. As the sound of conch shells and dhak reverberates through towns and villages on 29th September 2025, may the blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with strength, prosperity, and happiness.
Let this Maha Saptami be a reminder to honor the goddess not only in her grand idols but also in the everyday wonders of the natural world and the goodness within ourselves.
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In conclusion, From the mythological tales of Rama and Mahishasura to the vibrant Navapatrika rituals, Maha Saptami 2025 promises to be a day of spiritual awakening and cultural joy. Whether you observe it at a magnificent pandal in Kolkata, a quiet community hall in Delhi, or your own home, the goddess’s blessings are sure to touch your heart.
So mark your calendar for Monday, 29th September 2025, and join millions in celebrating this beautiful chapter of Durga Puja.