Introduction
Among the numerous rituals of Durga Puja, one of the most unique and significant is the worship of Nabapatrika. On the second day of the festival, Mahashashthi, nine sacred plants are tied together and ceremonially bathed in a river or pond. This ritual, called Nabapatrika Snan, transforms the plants into a symbolic embodiment of Goddess Durga herself.
Many people think Nabapatrika is just a banana tree wrapped like a bride, often called “Kolabou”. In reality, it is a sacred combination of nine plants, each representing a form of divine energy and cosmic force.
Historical Background
The roots of Nabapatrika worship go back to the agrarian society of ancient Bengal. Autumn was the harvest season, and farmers would worship Mother Nature and the new crops, offering thanks for fertility and abundance. Over time, this agrarian festival became incorporated into the broader Shakti worship mentioned in the Kalika Purana and the Chandi (Devi Mahatmya).
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In early Bengal (8th–9th century), Nabapatrika was mainly an offering to nature and the harvest goddess.
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Later, it was absorbed into the grand tradition of Durga Puja as one of the key rituals.
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Today, it represents both the agrarian roots of Bengal and the cosmic symbolism of Devi Durga.
Mythological Symbolism
According to Hindu philosophy, Shakti, the Divine Feminine, is omnipresent—existing in plants, rivers, earth, sky, and every part of creation. The Nabapatrika represents the nine manifestations of this universal energy.
Some traditions equate the Nabapatrika with the Navarupini Durga, the goddess who manifests in nine forms to protect the universe. Just as Goddess Durga has nine aspects (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri), so too do the nine sacred plants reflect her diverse powers.
The Nine Sacred Plants of Nabapatrika and Their Symbolism
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Banana Plant (Kadali) – Symbol of Lakshmi
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Represents prosperity, fertility, and abundance.
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The banana tree grows quickly and is considered auspicious.
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Myth: It is believed Goddess Lakshmi resides in the banana plant.
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Jayanti Plant (Calotropis/Colocasia/Jayantī) – Symbol of Kartikeya
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Represents strength, valor, and victory.
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Mentioned in epics as a plant used in divine rituals.
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Turmeric Plant (Haridra) – Symbol of Durga
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Stands for purity, health, and protection.
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Widely used in Ayurveda and in sacred rituals.
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Colocasia Plant (Kachu) – Symbol of the demon Raktabija
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The large leaves that collect water symbolize blood and rebirth.
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Represents the destructive force that Durga conquers.
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Bilva Tree (Bael Leaves) – Symbol of Lord Shiva
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Sacred to Shiva, consort of Durga.
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Mentioned in the Skanda Purana as holding the presence of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
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Rice Paddy (Dhan) – Symbol of Annapurna/Abundance
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Represents food, life, and sustenance.
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Vedic texts describe rice as the life-giving crop, blessed by Annapurna Devi.
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Man Plant (Manimanjari Vine) – Symbol of Binding Energy
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Represents strength and unity, as vines bind and grow together.
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Ashoka Tree (Ashoka) – Symbol of Love and Joy
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Associated with Kamadeva, the god of love.
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In the Ramayana, Sita lived in the Ashoka grove while in Lanka, giving it deep symbolic meaning.
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Pomegranate Tree (Dalim) – Symbol of Shakti
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Represents fertility, regeneration, and life’s abundance.
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Its clustered seeds signify prosperity and continuity of creation.
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Scriptural References
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Kalika Purana – Mentions the Nabapatrika as a symbolic representation of Shakti in plant forms.
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Markandeya Purana (Devi Mahatmya/Chandi) – Describes the omnipresent nature of Durga in all elements of creation.
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Brihaddharma Purana – Provides reference to Nabapatrika as a regional ritual of Bengal.
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Tantrasar – Explains worship of nature’s nine forms as part of Shakti rituals.
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Skanda Purana – Emphasizes the sacredness of the Bilva leaves in worship, which is a central part of Nabapatrika.
Rituals of Nabapatrika
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On Mahashashthi morning, priests collect the nine plants from a riverbank or pond.
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The plants are ritually bathed in sacred waters, symbolizing purification.
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They are then tied together, with the banana plant as the central figure, wrapped in a white sari with red border like a married woman.
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This “bride” form is affectionately called Kolabou (Banana Bride).
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The Nabapatrika is placed beside Lord Ganesha and worshipped as an embodiment of Goddess Durga.
Relevance in the Modern World
In today’s context, the Nabapatrika ritual has a deeper ecological and spiritual message.
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Environmental Awareness – Reminds us that plants and trees are sacred and life-giving.
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Agricultural Heritage – Connects modern Bengalis to their agrarian past.
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Spiritual Symbolism – Demonstrates that divinity exists in every aspect of nature.
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Social Unity – Like Durga Puja itself, the Nabapatrika ritual brings families and communities together.
At a time when climate change and deforestation threaten our survival, Nabapatrika teaches us that nature is not separate from divinity—nature itself is the Goddess.
Conclusion
The Nabapatrika is not merely a ritual—it is a profound union of nature and divinity. Each of the nine plants represents a facet of cosmic energy, reminding us that Durga is not confined to temples or idols. She is the earth, the harvest, the forest, and the air we breathe.
As we celebrate Durga Puja today, Nabapatrika offers a timeless lesson: to honor and protect nature is to worship the Goddess herself.
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