Banana (Plantain)
Spiritual significance
Considered the most auspicious of cultivated plants. The Kadali stalk forms the central pillar of every wedding mandap. In Bengal, Kola Bou (the banana-bride) is wrapped in a red-bordered saree and worshipped alongside Ganesha during Durga Puja as Navapatrika — representing nine sacred plants embodying Durga.
Planting muhurta
Thursday during Pushya Nakshatra / Karthika Shukla Dwadashi
Saplings planted at these moments are believed to carry the blessings of the associated deity and the fertile cosmic energies of the chosen tithi or nakshatra.
Traditional uses
- •Stalks bound to mandap pillars at weddings and grihapravesh
- •Leaves used as plates for prasad in South Indian temples
- •Fruit offered as naivedya, especially on Thursdays to Vishnu
- •Kola Bou worship on Maha Saptami of Durga Puja
- •Stem fibres twisted into sacred cords (kaccha sutra)
- •Pith used in traditional Ayurvedic urinary-system preparations
Health-related uses reflect traditional Ayurvedic practice. Not medical advice — consult a qualified physician.
Puranic legend
The Devi Bhagavata narrates that when goddess Parvati granted boons to ascetics, one rishi requested that she always remain near him in plant form. She manifested as the Kadali, whose every part — leaf, fruit, flower, stem, root — serves humanity, mirroring the all-giving nature of the Mother.