KATHMANDU: Phulpati, a collection of sacred plants and leaves symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, was brought into homes across Nepal on Saturday to mark the seventh day of Dashain, observed during the bright lunar fortnight of Ashwin.
The traditional Phulpati ceremony was also held at Dashain Ghar inside Hanuman Dhoka Durbar in Kathmandu. The Phulpati was brought from the Dashain Ghar at Gorkha Durbar.
The tradition of bringing a palanquin carrying Phulpati from Gorkha Durbar to Hanuman Dhoka every year on the seventh day of Dashain dates back to the time when King Prithvi Narayan Shah began administering the country from Hanuman Dhoka Durbar in Kathmandu.
Traditionally, attendants from Gorkha Durbar carry the Phulpati palanquin to Phulpati Chautara in Satipipal, from where it is sent to Hanuman Dhoka Durbar.
The Phulpati collection includes sugarcane, turmeric, banana plants, paddy stalks, bel leaves, pomegranate, jayanti, ashoka flowers and other fresh shoots. These are brought into the Dashain Ghar, where Goddess Durga has been invoked and worshipped according to Vedic rituals since Ghatasthapana.
Also known as Navapatrika, Phulpati represents the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It is worshipped according to traditional rituals as a symbol of divine power.
Although Dashain festivities begin with Ghatasthapana, when jamara is planted and ritual worship of Goddess Durga begins, public celebrations and festive activities generally gather momentum from Phulpati onwards.
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