Mahalaya is an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with great fervor and devotion in the Indian subcontinent, especially in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. Here are some key points about the significance of Mahalaya:
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Beginning of Devi Paksha: The day of Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of the Pitri Paksha, which is a period of mourning. Pitri Paksha is a 16-day lunar period during which people remember and pay homage to their ancestors using food and water offerings.
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Goddess Durgas journey: It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey from Mount Kailash, where she resides with her husband Lord Shiva, to her maternal home on Earth. This event is narrated in the mythical story of Mahalaya, a recitation known as “Mahishasura Mardini” .
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Defeat of demon Mahishasura: 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. The war between Durga and Mahishasura lasted for nine days, and then she killed him on the 10th day.
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Preparation for Durga Puja: Mahalaya signifies the arrival of the new moon, occurring a week before Durga Puja. This day holds immense importance in Hindu traditions, especially in Eastern India, where a common tradition is to perform tarpan, a ritual of offering water and other items to dead ancestors. By performing tarpan on Mahalaya, Hindus believe that they are helping their ancestors cross over to the afterlife. It is also a time to celebrate the beginning of Durga Puja, a festival that honors the power and strength of Goddess Durga.
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Radio broadcast of "Mahishasura Mardini": One of the most famous aspects of Mahalaya is the radio broadcast of "Mahishasura Mardini," a recital of verses from the Devi Mahatmya (a sacred text) set to music. This broadcast has been a tradition in Kolkata since 1931 and is still popular today.
Mahalaya is a day to honor both the living and the dead. It is a time to reflect on our relationships with our ancestors and to seek their blessings. It is also a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and to seek the blessings and protection of Goddess Durga.
