Mahalaya is a significant day in the Hindu calendar that marks the beginning of the much-awaited festival of Durga Puja, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. The word "Mahalaya" is derived from two Sanskrit words, "Maha" and "Alaya," which together mean the "Great Abode" or the "Home of the Goddess". It is believed that on this day, the goddess Durga begins her journey from Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, to Earth, to descend upon her devotees. The central theme of Mahalaya is based on a legend from the "Devi Mahatmya" (The Glory of the Goddess), an ancient Sanskrit text that is a part of the Markandeya Purana. This text narrates the story of the goddess Durga and her battle against the demon Mahishasura, a buffalo demon who terrorized the heavens and Earth.

Mahalaya is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India, especially in the state of West Bengal, where it holds tremendous cultural and religious significance. In different parts of India, Mahalaya might be celebrated with variations in customs and traditions, but the common thread is the reverence for goddess Durga and the anticipation of the grand Durga Puja festival that follows.

On this day, people perform Tarpan and Shraddh dedicated to their deceased ancestors. Food, clothes, and footwear are offered to the souls of the deceased ancestors through priests and Brahmins. Brahmins are also given food and dakshina on this day.

Mahalaya marks the start of the Durga Puja festival. On this day, the goddess Durga is believed to have descended to Earth. This marks the end of Pitri Paksha, a 16-day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. Hindus mark the last day of Pitri Paksha with tarpan, a ritualistic offering to their departed kin or ancestors.

In Bengal, Mahalaya is celebrated roughly seven days before Durga Puja. Every Bengali household wakes up early in the morning, even before the sun, to customarily listen to a collection of songs and mantras called "Mahishasura Mardini," in the sonorous voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra. These mantras invoke the Goddess, the most famous one being Jago Tumi Jago (meaning, "awaken, oh Goddess!") .

In summary, Mahalaya is a significant day in the Hindu calendar that marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festival and...