One of the major attractions of Nepal’s grand festival, Dashain, is the day of Phulpati. Each year, on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin (Ashwin Shukla Saptami), this occasion is celebrated as a special day of Dashain. From this day onward, the excitement, devotion, and festive spirit of Dashain reach their peak.
Religious Significance of Phulpati
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Phulpati means a sacred collection of flowers, leaves, and various holy plants.
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On this day, the presence of Goddess Durga is invoked by bringing Phulpati into the house or royal court.
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Phulpati is considered as the manifestation of the Goddess herself, symbolizing the entrance of divine energy into the home.
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From this day, the worship of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati formally begins, along with the other forms of Goddess Durga.
Rituals of Bringing Phulpati
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In the morning, devotees bathe and purify themselves, then clean the prayer room or Dashain Ghar.
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Flowers, leaves, rice grains, incense, fruits, and colorful sacred plants are collected, usually from riversides or ponds.
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These items are placed in a holy vessel (Kalash), and with prayers to Goddess Durga, they are carried into the home.
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In Nepal’s royal tradition, Phulpati is brought with great pomp and military ceremony from Gorkha Durbar to Hanumandhoka in Kathmandu, a practice that has continued for centuries.
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In villages, the eldest member of the family or a priest performs the ritual of bringing Phulpati into the house and leading the prayers.
Worship of Goddess Durga on Saptami
On the seventh day, worship is offered to the seven forms of Goddess Durga. In particular, the following goddesses are remembered:
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Kali
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Tara
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Tripurasundari
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Bhuvaneshwari
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Chhinnamasta
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Tripurabhairavi
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Dhumavati
This day is also known as the day of Shakti Sthapana (establishment of divine power). It is believed that by welcoming Phulpati into the home, peace, prosperity, and strength enter the family.
Cultural Importance
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With the arrival of the seventh day, joy and excitement spread across towns and villages alike.
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Families gather together, and relatives begin visiting one another.
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Traditionally, in Kathmandu, the grand sight of Phulpati being brought with military bands, music, and rituals to Hanumandhoka can still be witnessed.
Faith and Belief in Phulpati
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While bringing Phulpati, people pray that conflict, unrest, and illness may not enter the home.
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They seek the blessings of Goddess Durga for strength, courage, and prosperity for the entire family.
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The flowers and leaves of Phulpati, when placed in the prayer room, are believed to purify the environment and radiate positive energy.
Conclusion
The tradition of bringing Phulpati on the seventh day of Navaratri is not just a religious ritual, but also a symbol of Nepali cultural unity and collective devotion. Associated with the divine energy of Goddess Durga, this day inspires us to remain steadfast in our faith, traditions, and values—while uniting family, society, and nation.
Thus, Phulpati Saptami is a day that makes Dashain more magnificent, guiding us forward in life with strength, courage, and enthusiasm.
