Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Shashthi is a vow observed by mothers for the well-being of their children. On Maha Shashthi, the morning puja is held under the Bael tree. The priest performs the ritual, and those offering it eat the Prasad, then drink only water before eating other food. Since it is a religious vow, they do not eat rice; they consume foods made of flour instead.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the evening, the Bodhon—the Awakening—occurs. This is when the Mother Goddess is welcomed. She first arrives in the branch of the Bael tree. On Shashthi evening, she enters the Bael branch and is invoked with prayer.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The priests then perform the sacred ritual of binding the Nabapatrika—the nine plants. Nine different plants represent the nine forms of Durga: Paddy represents Lakshmi, Bael represents Shiva, Turmeric represents Durga, Black Colocasia represents Kali, Giant Taro represents Chamunda, Pomegranate represents Rakta Dantika, Ashok represents the dispeller of sorrows, Jayanti represents Kartikeya. These nine plants are bound together with the trunk of a banana tree using banana fiber.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Some people mistakenly refer to this as the "Kola Bou" (Banana Bride) because the banana tree is placed next to Ganesha. But in reality, it is the worship of the nine plants as Durga. On Saptami morning, the Nabapatrika is taken for a ritual bath in the Ganges or a pond, accompanied by music and bells.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The cat is the vehicle of Goddess Shashthi for a profound reason. The cat's womb is never empty—they give birth every few months. Goddess Shashthi is the goddess of progeny and protection of children. She is often depicted with a child in her arms. The cat symbolizes this constant cycle of creation and fertility.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Ultimately, the Shashthi vow is observed by mothers for the well-being and long life of their children. The Shashthi ritual protects our families and heritage, preserving the spiritual traditions that have sustained our lineage for generations.