HOME | DD

Description

Mahalaya is celebrated to mark the beginning of the Durga Puja festival, a ten-day celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It is also a day to remember and pay homage to ancestors.
Mahalaya falls on the last day of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period when Hindus perform shradh, or death rites, for their deceased ancestors. It is believed that on this day, the goddess Durga begins her journey from her heavenly abode on Mount Kailash to Earth, to descend upon her devotees.
Mahalaya is a particularly auspicious day for Bengalis, who celebrate it with great fervor. On this day, people wake up early to listen to the Mahalaya broadcast on All India Radio, which features a recitation of the Chandi Path, a Sanskrit text that narrates the story of Durga's battle with the demon Mahishasura.
After listening to the Mahalaya broadcast, people visit temples and offer prayers to Durga. They also prepare special dishes and sweets to celebrate the occasion.
In the evening, people gather at pandals (makeshift temples) to listen to the Mahalaya concert, which features performances of classical and devotional music.
Mahalaya is a time of great joy and celebration for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the festive season. It is also a time to reflect on the importance of family and community, and to remember and honor the ancestors.

Description

Mahalaya is celebrated to mark the beginning of the Durga Puja festival, a ten-day celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It is also a day to remember and pay homage to ancestors.
Mahalaya falls on the last day of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period when Hindus perform shradh, or death rites, for their deceased ancestors. It is believed that on this day, the goddess Durga begins her journey from her heavenly abode on Mount Kailash to Earth, to descend upon her devotees.
Mahalaya is a particularly auspicious day for Bengalis, who celebrate it with great fervor. On this day, people wake up early to listen to the Mahalaya broadcast on All India Radio, which features a recitation of the Chandi Path, a Sanskrit text that narrates the story of Durga's battle with the demon Mahishasura.
After listening to the Mahalaya broadcast, people visit temples and offer prayers to Durga. They also prepare special dishes and sweets to celebrate the occasion.
In the evening, people gather at pandals (makeshift temples) to listen to the Mahalaya concert, which features performances of classical and devotional music.
Mahalaya is a time of great joy and celebration for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the festive season. It is also a time to reflect on the importance of family and community, and to remember and honor the ancestors.