29th September 2025, Kathmandu
Dashain, the biggest Hindu festival in Nepal, reaches its true festive spirit on Saptami, known as Phulpati. The day carries deep religious significance and symbolizes the arrival of Goddess Durga into every home.
Phulpati in Dashain 2025
Although Ghatasthapana marks the official start of Dashain, the celebration becomes vibrant from Phulpati. Bringing Phulpati into the house is considered a symbol of good fortune. Families across Nepal perform this ritual with faith and joy.
What is Phulpati?
Phulpati refers to a sacred collection of nine plants, also known as Navapatrika. These nine leaves represent the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Traditionally, they are collected, worshipped, and placed at the altar of the goddess.
The nine plants are:
Banana
Pomegranate
Rice
Turmeric
Mané grass
Colocasia
Bel leaves
Ashoka
Jayanti
Each plant has its own symbolic meaning and divine connection. Collectively, they represent the blessings and power of Navadurga.
Connection to Nine Goddesses
Hindu scriptures describe nine forms of Goddess Durga, each worshipped on the nine days of Navaratri.
Day 1: Shailaputri
Day 2: Brahmacharini
Day 3: Chandraghanta
Day 4: Kushmanda
Day 5: Skandamata
Day 6: Katyayani
Day 7: Kalaratri
Day 8: Mahagauri
Day 9: Siddhidatri
On Saptami (Phulpati), Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped. The Navapatrika is installed as a symbolic form of the goddess.
Rituals of Phulpati
According to Vedic scholar Ravindra Acharya, Phulpati rituals are performed at an auspicious time. The ceremony is led by Brahmins with chanting of mantras, the sound of conch shells, bells, and sacred music.
In many households, the nine leaves are invited a day earlier. On Phulpati, they are brought to the goddess’s altar. Offerings of yogurt, rice, flowers, incense, and lamps are made.
Pandit Narayan Prasad Acharya highlights the symbolic worship linked to each plant:
Banana: Brahmayani
Turmeric: Goddess Durga
Pomegranate: Ratnadanti
Rice: Goddess Lakshmi
Colocasia: Goddess Kali
Ashoka: Shokharini
Bel: Lord Shiva
Jayanti: Victory and strength
Each plant is believed to hold divine power. Worshipping them together symbolizes the destruction of evil and the triumph of good.
Cultural and Regional Variations
The way Phulpati is celebrated varies across Nepal. In eastern Nepal, it is performed differently than in western regions, but the essence remains the same. Regardless of local customs, Phulpati unites families in the worship of Goddess Durga.
From urban centers like Kathmandu to rural villages, Phulpati brings communities together. The ritual also highlights the connection between humans and nature, as leaves, plants, and trees are seen as divine messengers.
Importance of Phulpati in Dashain
Phulpati marks the moment when the festive energy of Dashain reaches its peak. Families gather, rituals are performed, and joy fills every home. The arrival of Phulpati is not just a tradition; it is a spiritual call to honor Goddess Durga’s strength and blessings.
The festival emphasizes faith, unity, and cultural heritage. It also reminds devotees of the eternal power of nature and divinity.
Conclusion
Phulpati in Dashain is more than a ritual. It is a sacred tradition that symbolizes protection, prosperity, and divine strength. With every household welcoming the Navapatrika, Dashain becomes a festival of both spiritual depth and cultural celebration.
From the symbolic power of plants to the worship of the nine goddesses, Phulpati reflects the essence of Hindu devotion. It continues to be a cherished tradition across Nepal, keeping alive the values of faith, family, and unity.
For more: Phulpati in Dashain 2025