Powai Sharadotsav 2024

Panchami is the fifth day of the festival, and it holds significant importance as it marks the beginning of the main ceremonial part of the celebrations.

Bodhon (Invocation) of Goddess Durga: On Panchami, the ritual of "Bodhon" is performed, which means the invocation or awakening of Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the formal calling of the goddess to the earthly realm from her celestial abode. This is the day when the idols of Goddess Durga are prepared and adorned for worship.

Nabapatrika Snan: In some regions, especially in Bengal, the Nabapatrika (a bundle of nine plants symbolizing the nine forms of Goddess Durga) is given a sacred bath. The plants are worshipped along with the main idol of Durga as part of the rituals.

Start of Celebrations: While Durga Puja officially starts from the earlier days (Mahalaya or Shashti), Panchami is often considered the day when the festive mood truly kicks off with devotees actively visiting pandals (decorated marquees) and participating in cultural activities.

Thus, Panchami acts as a prelude to the intense