Mahalaya is a significant day for expressing gratitude to our forefathers or Pitrus. It is the beginning of the Ancestor Fortnight or Pitru Paksha, which takes place between September and October. Here are some things you can do during Mahalaya:
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Perform Tarpanam: Family members can make sharadh or tarpan to the departed ancestors to eradicate ancestral doshas and bad karma. Tharpanam is a ritual of offering homage to our ancestors by serving water and flowers to the river. It is a way to comfort ones deceased ancestors and provide them with moksha in heaven and at home.
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Do Tharpanam: Do tharpanam at dawn on all 15 days of the Ancestor Fortnight from the first day onwards.
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Visit Ganga Ghat: Wake up early and visit any Ganga Ghat to offer tarpan. Howrah and Princep Ghat organize special cruises for people to enjoy the tarpan ritual.
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Listen to Devi Jagaran: Away from the city, into the green paddy fields and the white kaash phool blooms, you can listen to the golden voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra chanting the Devi Jagaran. Kolkata Explorers organize this amazing trip to the Sundergram village where you can celebrate Mahalaya early morning at 04:00 AM.
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Go on a Culinary Trail: You can go on a culinary trail and enjoy the delicious food that is prepared during this time.
Overall, Mahalaya is a day dedicated to your ancestors, and it is a great way to reinforce your bond with them.
