Traditional Bengali Durga Puja relies on a specific set of sacred items (puja samagri), ritual plants, and cultural artifacts used across household (bonedi bari) and community (barowari) celebrations. **Sacred Ritual Items & Samagri** * **Dhak & Kashor:** Traditional leather-headed barrels played with sticks and brass gongs that create the quintessential festive rhythm. * **Dhunuchi & Dhuno:** Earthen incense burners filled with burning coconut husks and resin (dhuno), used during evening arati. * **Sindoor & Alta:** Vermilion powder used extensively in rituals and Sindoor Khela, paired with red dye (alta) for women's feet. * **Kulo & Chalchitra:** Bamboo winnowing fans used in rituals and the ornate semicircular painted backdrop behind the goddess's idol. * **Shankha, Pola & Shankha-dhwani:** Conch shells blown during auspicious moments, alongside traditional red and white coral bangles worn by married Bengali women. **The Nabapatrika (Kola Bau) Ensemble** On Saptami, nine sacred plants are tied together, bathed in a river, and worshipped as a vegetal form of the goddess: * **Banana Plant (Kola):** Represents Brahmani * **Colocasia (Kachu):** Represents Kalika * **Turmeric (Holud):** Represents Durga * **Jayanti:** Represents Kartiki * **Bel (Wood Apple):** Represents Shiva * **Pomegranate (Dalim):** Represents Raktadantika * **Ashok Leaves:** Represents Shokarahita * **Arum Leaf (Mankochu):** Represents Chamunda * **Rice Paddy (Dhan):** Represents Lakshmi **Traditional Festive Foods & Bhog** * **Khichuri & Labra:** The classic hot lentil-rice mix and mixed vegetable curry served as divine bhog. * **Luchi & Aloo Dum:** Deep-fried flatbreads paired with spiced potato gravy. * **Shorshe Ilish:** Hilsa fish cooked in a pungent mustard gravy. * **Sondesh & Rosogolla:** Iconic dairy-based Bengali sweets offered to the deity and guests. Would you like to know more about the step-by-step rituals of a specific day (like Ashtami or Dashami) or the history of Bonedi Bari pujas?