Mahalaya, the fusion of mythology of tradition, is going to be celebrated on 14th October this year. This day marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitru Paksha. It is celebrated a week before Durga puja.
Mahalaya is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm in several states of India, but especially in West Bengal. Bengalis believed that on this auspicious day, Maa Durga began her journey from Kailash to her parents’ home with her four children, after defeating ‘Mahishasur’.
Mahalaya is not just a day for Bengalis, it is an emotion for everyone, from young to old generation. This day is extremely close to the hearts of every Bengali. Learn how Bengalis celebrate this auspicious day with great enthusiasm.
1. Listening ‘’Mahishashura Mardini’’ on Radio
In most of the Bengalis household, around 4 a.m., everyone wakes up and tunes in to the ‘’ Mahishashura Mardini’’ on radio and listen to the thrilling voice of legendary Birendra Krishna Bhadra doing ‘’chandi path’’ along with some legendary songs playing on background. This program is broadcasted every year on All India Radio.
2. Doing Tarpan
As this day marks the end of 16-days of Pitru paksha, Bengalis pay homage to their ancestors by serving water and flowers to the river Ganga early in the morning. You can be amazed to see the crowd on Ganga Ghat and listen to the chorus chanting on this day.
3. Cooking Delicious Traditional Bengali Dishes
Bengalis are always known as the biggest foodies and they celebrate each of their occasion with good food. On Mahalaya also, they cook several authentic Bengali cuisines and enjoy them with their family members.
4. Going to Kumartuli
Kumartuli is a famous place in Kolkata where the idols of Maa Durg and other Gods and Goddesses are made. You can see a huge crowd of Bengalis at Kumartuli on this day chasing different idols of Maa Durga. This is a famous way of celebrating Mahalaya on Bengal.
5. Decorating Homes
Since the final countdown of Durga Puja, the biggest festival of Bengalis begins on this day, most of the Bengalis start cleaning their homes, and organizing their home interiors with new enthusiasm.
6. Organizing Cultural Events
Several cultural events are organized on this auspicious day in different places to pay homage to Maa Durga and celebrate her homecoming.