India: Ritual of Banana Bride, worshiped during Durga Puja in West Bengal

Suraranjan Nandi

Kola Bou is worshipped during Durga Puja in Bengal. She is represented in banana tree, also called banana bride. On the first day, she is drapped with a red-bordered with vermilion smeared on it's leaves. She is placed on Ganesha's right side, along with other dieties worshipped during Durga Puja. She is worshipped with flowers, sandalwood paste and incense sticks as a new bride, symbolizing the wife of Lord Ganesha. Kola Bou Snan is the first ritual held on the Saptami of Durga Puja. Kola Bou or the Banana Tree is considered to be the consort of Lord Ganesha as per mythology, or in al alternative theory; she is a manifestation of Ma Durga herself. Ceremonial bath is given to banana tree on the banks of river Ganga.