| Saptami is the seventh day of the Navratri festival, which is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India. Navratri, meaning 'nine nights', is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the Goddess, and Saptami is no exception. On Saptami, the seventh form of Goddess Durga, known as Goddess Kalaratri, is worshipped. Kalaratri is considered the most ferocious form of Goddess Durga, and her name translates to 'the one who is the death of Kaal'. She is believed to be the destroyer of all demon entities, ghosts, spirits, and negative energies, who flee upon knowing of her arrival. The significance of Saptami in Navratri lies in the belief that worshipping Goddess Kalaratri on this day can help devotees eliminate the negative energies in their lives. She is also believed to bestow her devotees with calm and courage. The rituals on Saptami begin with the holy bath of the deity, followed by a special Shodashopachara puja, which involves 16 steps of worship. The deity is adorned with red flowers and red clothes, and a special Bhog or offering is prepared and offered to the Goddess. This is followed by the recitation of mantras and prayers dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri. In many parts of India, Saptami is also the day when the rituals of Kanya Puja begin. This involves the worship of nine young girls, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The girls are treated as goddesses and are offered food and gifts by the devotees. Saptami during Navratri is also significant as it marks the beginning of the final phase of the festival, leading up to the grand celebrations of Dussehra and Diwali. It is a day of intense spiritual activities and celebrations, with devotees seeking the blessings of Goddess Kalaratri for protection, strength, and the removal of all troubles and difficulties in their lives. |