Mahalaya, the auspicious day, and Mahishasura Mardini, the most powerful strata of Maa Durga are the closest to the heart of Bangalis.

“দুর্গে দুর্গে দুর্গতিনাশিনী
মহিষাসুরমর্দিনী জয় মা দুর্গে”

(“Durge Durge Durgatinashini
Mahishasura Mardini joy ma durge”)

Mahalaya

Hindus celebrate Mahalaya, an auspicious day, across the Indian subcontinent with fervour and devotion, especially in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India (The Indian Express 2023). The long-awaited Durga Puja celebration, which honors the triumph of good over evil, officially began today. The lucky Mahalaya 2022, also known as Mahalaya Paksha 2022, fell on September 25, and this year the Mahalaya 2023 fell on Saturday, October 14.

Mahalaya is much more than simply a word to Bengalis; it is a beloved custom and a source of great nostalgia. In the majority of Bengali households, this entails getting up at the crack of dawn, sleepy-eyed and groggy, to tune in to the sonorous voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra narrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the mayhem-causing demon Mahishasura through the “Mahishasura Mardini” (Annihilation of the demon) program broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) (Ray, 2022). One of the delights of growing up in Bengali homes is still hearing him describe Maa Durga’s birth and the epic battle between her and Mahishasura in his commanding yet alluring voice.

Significance of Mahalaya

The Sanskrit words “Maha” and “Alaya,” which combined signify the “Great Abode” or the “Home of the Goddess,” are the source of the English name “Mahalaya.” It is thought that on this day, the goddess Durga departs from Kailash, Lord Shiva’s home, and travels to Earth to see her devotees (The Indian Express 2023). This incident is detailed in the fabled tale of Mahalaya, which is recited in “Mahishasura Mardini”.

A fable from the “Devi Mahatmya” (The Glory of the Goddess), an old Sanskrit literature that is a component of the Markandeya Purana, serves as the basis for the main theme of Mahalaya Paksha (The Indian Express 2023). The goddess Durga and her conflict with the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura, who terrorized both the heavens and the Earth, are depicted in this book.

The final day of “Krishna Paksha,” the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin, is considered by the Hindu faith to be Mahalaya. The 10-day Durga Puja/ Navratri festival officially commences  the following day with the start of “Sharad.” The day is very important to the Bengali population in particular, and it is also a public holiday in several sections of the country (The Indian Express 2022).

Mahalaya is the beginning of the “Devi Paksha” and the “Pitri Paksha,” which is a season of mourning and devotion to the ancestors on the paternal side of the family. The Bengali culture, which observes the yearly Durga Puja with great fervour and cultural flair, holds the belief that on the day of Mahalaya, Goddess Durga begins her descent to Earth after defeating the terrible demon “Mahishasura.”

In its essence, the auspicious day serves as a reminder of this triumph, of bravery, and of the universal truth that virtue always wins out over evil in the end.

Importance of Mahalaya for Durga

Tales of Durga

Goddess Durga is as widely worshipped as Vishnu and Shiva. She is Devi’s ferocious manifestation, and as Shakti, she is regarded as the embodiment of all energy. The Devi Bhagavata claims that the universe is merely Her incarnation and that even Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva revere Her. There are sixty-four ways to worship Durga, such as Ambika, Kali, Chamundi, Devi, and Uma. India’s devotion to Durga is thought to date back more than 4,000 years (Amar Chitra Katha Media 2020).

The Taittiriya Aranyaka and the Kena Upanishad both mention Uma and Parvati by name. Azes I, the Shaka emperor (c. 5 B.C. to A.D. 30), is thought by some Indianists to have depicted Ambika or Durga seated on a lion in his coins (Amar Chitra Katha Media 2020). Every Indian village engages in some form of devotion to Durga. This Amar Chitra Katha is based on the Durga-Saptashati of the Markandeya Purana.

Hindu Mythology and Mahalaya

Maa Durga is said to have been created on this day by Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar in order to defeat the demon king Mahishasura, according to Hindu mythology. King Mahishasura was endowed with immortality, meaning neither a god nor a person could ever kill him. Mahishasura fought the Devatas after receiving the blessing, endangering the Devlok (Roy, 2021). The Devas were left stranded by the defeat, so Lord Vishnu and the Devas appealed to Adi Shakti for protection from the demon ruler. Hindus hold that a divine light emanated from the Devas’ bodies and assumed the shape of Maa Durga.

Mahishasura’s life ended on the tenth day of their combat, which was won by Goddess Durga after nine days of conflict between the two. The event is celebrated for ten days by followers of the goddess to commemorate her victory (Roy, 2021). On this day, according to the believers, the goddess leaves Kailash Parvat for Earth.

Stories Behind Mahalaya

The festival of Dussehra begins on the Mahalaya Amavasya new moon day. This particular day is set aside for making an offering of gratitude to all the people from earlier generations who have enriched our lives (Linga Bhairavi 2016). It is believed that once the hero Karna passed away, he traveled to heaven and was given gold as nourishment by Indra, the ruler of the gods. Naturally, Karna was unable to consume gold and inquired of Indra as to why he wasn’t being given actual food. Even though he had donated wealth and jewels to charity, Indra told Karna that he had never given his ancestors an offering of food (Chowdhury, 2002).

Karna argued, “How could I make any offerings to my ancestors because I didn’t know who they were?’ Despite being a noble prince, Kunti, his mother, had abandoned him when he was a baby, therefore Karna had a point. He was discovered and raised by the royal charioteer, and up until almost the end of his life, he was unaware of his birth or ancestry. Compassionately, Indra made the decision to give the hero another chance. He sent him back to earth for a period of fifteen days so that he could carry out the proper rites in honor of his ancestors and provide them with food and drink. The Pitru Paksha refers to this fifteen-day stretch (Chowdhury, 2002).

The primary focus of Mahalaya Amavasya is on ancestors and forefathers. Other names for Mhalaya Amavasya include Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitra Moksha Amavasya, and Pitru Amavasya. The 15-day Shraddha rites come to an end on Mahalaya Amavasya. In the Hindu religion, Mahalaya Amavasya is of utmost importance. This day is set aside for praying to the Pitru, or ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, many rituals are performed for the benefit and prosperity of all (Sharma, 2023). The practice of Pitru Tarpan and Pind Daan on the final day of Pitru Paksha is thought to provide ancestors salvation and deliver them from the cycle of birth and death.

A person may conduct “tarpan” on the day of “Sarvapitra Moksha Amavasya” if they are unable to perform the shradha for their ancestors during the first 15 days or if they forget the date of the death anniversary. It is the day on which all the ancestors return to their Loka, known as Pitru Loka, and if people do not do shraddha on any day, then they return unhappy and condemn them, which is why some people experience Pitra Dosha (Sharma, 2023).

According to astrology, if the ancestors make any mistakes, it will appear as “Pitra Dosh” in the horoscopes of their descendants. They have a variety of issues and challenges as a result. These souls search for serenity but are not saved. The purpose of doing Shradha, Pitru Tarpan, and Pind Daan on the day of Amavasya is to help people’s ancestors find redemption and a position in Lord Vishnu’s abode (Sharma, 2023). Those who carry out these ceremonies see their ancestors joyfully re-enter Pitru Loka and are blessed with the health, wealth, and prosperity of their future generations.

Embracing the Goddess’ Arrival

Devipaksha or Durga Pujo begins on the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya. It brings with it the aroma and essence of the beginning of Bengalis’ largest celebration of the year (Ganguly, 2022). Celebrations begin to ring in the hearts of every Bengali as wild white kash phool or Kans grass in full bloom fills every home with the impression that Maa Durga is returning.

Mahalaya, which commemorates Goddess Durga’s return, begins with thorough preparations for her devotion. It is a lucky day that marks the start of the celebrations, which include rituals, prayers, and offerings made to Maa Durga in order to obtain her blessings. In preparation for the next festive days when they would receive Goddess Durga into their homes, families clean their homes during this time to ensure a fresh start (Parthib, 2023). As traditions like Kola Bou (a bouquet offering usually crafted from banana stalks) and Chokkhu Daan (donations) also take place during Mahalaya, decorative pandals are also built wherever public events in honor of Maa Durga take place.

The artisans complete the Durga idols at the start of Mahalaya by painting the eye on the statue. It’s called “Chokkhu Daan,” or eye donation. For Durga pujos held in bonedi baris or traditional family celebrations, the eldest son or family leader performs it (Ganguly, 2022).

Mahalaya and Durga Puja Celebration

Mahalaya is also the beginning of the devi-paksha in Bengal, Eastern India, and the day that the goddess Durga starts her journey back to her parents’ house from her mountain home where she resides with the god Shiva (Chowdhury, 2002). Beginning in Bengal and eastern India, preparations are made to welcome the goddess during the ten-day Durga Puja festival. Puja officially begins on the day following Mahalaya.

To commemorate the auspicious day, devotees offer prayers, keep a fast, bathe in the Ganges, and take part in cultural events. With family and friends, traditional Bengali foods, desserts, and delicacies are cooked and served. The holiday dinner is a crucial component of the celebration (The Indian Express 2022). On several local television networks in West Bengal, Mahalaya is shown in a show-tell style with songs, enactments, and dances. Traditional songs, dances, and chants have all been used to represent this.

It has, however, been most frequently performed in the thunderous voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, whose collection of songs and chants known as Mahishasura Mardini is typically played on the day of Mahalaya in every Bengali family early in the morning. The chants are supposed to call the Goddess (The Indian Express 2022). The most well-known is “Jago, Tumi Jago” (which means “awaken, oh Goddess!”).

Mahalaya can be observed in many ways throughout India, but the reverence for goddess Durga and the anticipation of the subsequent large-scale Durga Puja event is its unifying features (The Indian Express 2023). People congregate during this time to commemorate the victory of good over evil and to ask the almighty for blessings and protection.

Conclusion

In both Hindu and Bengali cultures, Mahalaya or Mahalaya Paksha is of utmost significance. Mahalaya, the beginning of Devipaksha and the beginning of the Durga Puja preparations, is a day when devotees eagerly await the presence of Goddess Durga and celebrate the victory of good over evil. Mahalaya is a symbol of the steadfastness of our ancestors. During the previous Pitru Paksha, people held rites and offered prayers in remembrance of their ancestors to ensure their welfare and salvation in the hereafter. Mahalaya Amavasya, a day dedicated to honoring the ancestors, emphasizes the importance of remembering one’s heritage.

Hindu mythology provides the basis for the significance of the day, using Goddess Durga’s descent to Earth and subsequent battle with the wicked Mahishasura to represent the triumph of goodness. The story is told in the recitation of “Mahishasura Mardini,” which has grown to be an important part of Mahalaya celebrations. Mahalaya is not just observed in West Bengal; it is observed across the country as a whole, with each region contributing its own unique flavor to the celebrations. In their devotion to and anticipation for the upcoming significant Durga Puja festival, people are brought together by the unifying power of mahalaya. It is the epitome of the values of religion, custom, and the enduring spirit of good defeating evil.

Visit Genfosight on the morning of Mahalaya 2023 and at any time of the year for an educational journey through rich content, advancing your knowledge, and learning about the world from a variety of perspectives while conquering all the obstacles that might be preventing you from moving forward.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of the word “Mahalaya”?

Mahalaya, which relates to the beginning of Durga’s voyage on Earth, signifies the “Great Abode” or the “Home of the Goddess.”

2. When was Mahalaya 2022?

Mahalaya 2022 or Mahalaya Paksha 2022 was on 25th September.

3. When in Mahalaya 2023?

Mahalaya 2023 fell on October 14, Saturday.

4. What is the significance of Mahalaya?

Mahalaya, which ushers in Durga Puja, stands for the victory of good over evil in Hindu mythology.

5. Why is Mahalaya important for Durga Puja?

Mahalaya marks the beginning of Goddess Durga’s ascent to Earth and the start of festival preparations.

6. What is “Chokkhu Daan,” and why is it significant in Mahalaya?

The “Chokkhu Daan” ceremony, which involves sketching the eyes on Durga statues, is an important custom during Mahalaya.

7. What is the Pitru Paksha, and how is it related to Mahalaya?

Mahalaya, which kicks off Durga Puja, marks the end of the Pitru Paksha, a time of grief and ancestor worship.

8. Is Mahalaya only celebrated in West Bengal, India?

No, Mahalaya is celebrated throughout India, with regional variations in customs and traditions.

9. What is the role of “Mahishasura Mardini” in Mahalaya?

Mahalaya includes the recital “Mahishasura Mardini”, which describes the conflict between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura.

References

1. Amar Chitra Katha Media, (2020). “What Is Mahalaya?” https://www.amarchitrakatha.com/mythologies/what-is-mahalaya/
2. Chowdhury, R., (2002). “Mahalaya”. https://www.longlongtimeago.com/once-upon-a-time/the-spirit-of-festivals/mahalaya
3. Ganguly, N., (2022). “Durga Pujo: Significance of Mahalaya In A Bengali’s Life”. Herzindagi.com. https://www.herzindagi.com/society-culture/durga-pujo-significance-of-mahalaya-in-bengalis-life-article-208861
4. Linga Bhairavi, (2016). “Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Paksha – What is its Significance?” https://isha.sadhguru.org/linga-bhairavi/in/en/article/significance-of-mahalaya-amavasya
5. Parthib, S., (2023). “Significance of Mahalaya: A Time to Honor the Ancestors”. Editorialage. https://editorialge.com/significance-of-mahalaya/
6. Ray, D., (2022) “For Bengalis, Mahalaya is not just the prelude to 10-day-long festival but a day of Maa Durga’s homecoming”.  The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/for-bengalis-mahalaya-is-not-just-the-prelude-to-10-day-long-festival-but-a-day-of-maa-durgas-homecoming/articleshow/94370698.cms?from=mdr
7. Roy, L. D., (2021). “Mahalaya: An Amalgamation Of Hope and Nostalgia”. https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-mahalaya-an-amalgamation-of-hope-and-nostalgia/396800
8. Sharma, M., (2023). “Mahalaya Amavasya 2023: Date, Time, Rituals and Significance”. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/mahalaya-amavasya-2023-date-time-rituals-and-significance/articleshow/104362633.cms
9. The Indian Express, (2022). “Mahalaya 2022: What is the cultural significance of Mahalaya and what happens on this day?” https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/mahalaya-2022-cultural-significance-mahalaya-durga-puja-8168301/
10. The Indian Express, (2023). “Mahalaya Durga Puja 2023: What is its significance and why is it celebrated?” https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/mahalaya-durga-puja-2023-what-is-its-significance-and-why-is-it-celebrated-8980594/

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