“Phulpati” is a significant and auspicious component of the Dashain festival, which is celebrated primarily in Nepal. Dashain is the longest and most important Hindu festival in Nepal, and it typically lasts for 15 days. Phulpati marks the seventh day of Dashain and is observed with great enthusiasm and religious fervor.
Phulpati is the day when various auspicious plant parts and flowers are brought to homes and temples to be used in worship and rituals. The word “Phulpati” can be broken down into “Phul,” which means flowers, and “Pati,” which means leaves and plants. These offerings are considered sacred and symbolize the goddess Durga’s divine presence during the festival.
Here’s how Phulpati is typically celebrated:
Harvesting and Collection: On the day of Phulpati, various plants and flowers are collected from different regions and brought to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. These plant parts typically include sugarcane stalks, banana leaves, jamara (barley), and other sacred plants and flowers.
Ritual Procession: The collection of Phulpati is done as part of a grand procession that includes members of the Gurung and Chhetri communities, who play significant roles in the Dashain celebrations. The procession is accompanied by traditional music, dances, and the beating of drums.
Arrival and Offering: The Phulpati procession arrives at the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu, where the head priest or designated individuals receive the offerings. These offerings are then taken to homes and temples for worship.
Worship and Rituals: In homes and temples, the Phulpati offerings are placed on a special altar, and rituals are conducted to invoke the blessings of the goddess Durga. People receive tikka and jamara, which is blessed by the offerings, from their elders as a symbol of protection and blessings.
Feasting and Celebration: Phulpati is also a time for family gatherings and feasting. Families come together to celebrate the festival, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional Nepali dishes.
Phulpati serves as a prelude to the main day of Dashain, which is Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of the festival when the goddess Durga is worshiped with great devotion and the festival concludes with the immersion of the Durga idol. It is a time of spiritual reflection, unity, and the reaffirmation of family bonds and cultural heritage for the people of Nepal.