Mahalaya 2024: Celebrating the first day of Durga Puja – Verify the Date and Important Customs

Mahalaya celebreting coming soon

On October 2, 2024, the last day of Pitru Paksha, Mahalaya will be observed.

Mahalaya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya, marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitru Paksha. October 2nd, 2024, will be Mahalaya Day. To learn more about the background and significance of Mahalaya, keep reading. Devi Paksha, on the other hand, marks the beginning of Durga Puja, which is the time when Goddess Durga lives at her mother’s house on Earth. At this time, she is highly esteemed, and Vijaya Dashami marks the end of the festivities.

mahalaya
Mahalaya

The last day of Pitru Paksha, October 2, 2024, will be marked with the observance of Mahalaya. Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarvapitri Amavasya are other names for it. Beginning with Devi Paksha, Goddess Durga appears on Earth and leaves on Vijaya Dashami. Drik Panchang states that the days Maa Durga arrives and departs during the week are thought to portend future events.

The History and Significance of Mahalaya

The last day of Pitru Paksha, October 2, 2024, will be marked with the observance of Mahalaya. Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarvapitri Amavasya are other names for it. Beginning with Devi Paksha, Goddess Durga appears on Earth and leaves on Vijaya Dashami. Drik Panchang states that the days Maa Durga arrives and departs during the week are thought to portend future events.

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Mahalaya: The Prelude to Durga Puja

Mahalaya marks the beginning of the much-awaited Durga Puja festivities. It is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, observed seven days before the start of Durga Puja. This year, Mahalaya falls on October 2, 2024.

Significance of Mahalaya

Mahalaya heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey from her heavenly abode to her maternal home on Earth. This day also marks the end of Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period dedicated to paying homage to ancestors.

Rituals and Traditions

On Mahalaya, people perform Tarpan, a ritual to honor and seek blessings from their ancestors. Devotees wake up early in the morning to listen to the recitation of the Mahishasura Mardini, a collection of shlokas and songs that narrate the story of Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.

In Bengal, the day is marked by the sound of conch shells and the chanting of mantras. Many households perform the ritual of Chokkhu Daan, where the eyes of the idols of Goddess Durga are painted, symbolizing the awakening of the divine power.

Cultural Impact

Mahalaya is not just a religious event but also a cultural phenomenon. The recitation of Mahishasura Mardini by Birendra Krishna Bhadra on All India Radio has become an integral part of the celebration. This broadcast has been a tradition for decades and continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and devotion among Bengalis worldwide.

Mahalaya Amavasya is a day on which people offer tarpan and carry out shraddha rituals in order to ask their ancestors for blessings. The family’s oldest male member usually performs the ceremony on this day while dressed in yellow. When a Brahmin is invited to the home, they are seated after washing their feet. While Pitra Paksha and Matru Paksha Brahmins are seated facing north, Deva Paksha Brahmins are facing east.Rituals of Mahalaya
Mahalaya Amavasya is a day on which people offer tarpan and carry out shraddha rituals in order to ask their ancestors for blessings. The family’s oldest male member usually performs the ceremony on this day while dressed in yellow. When a Brahmin is invited to the home, they are seated after washing their feet.

Conclusion

Mahalaya sets the tone for the grand celebrations of Durga Puja. It is a day of spiritual significance, cultural heritage, and familial bonding. As we prepare to welcome Goddess Durga, Mahalaya reminds us of the eternal triumph of good over evil.

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