Mahalaya, the beginning of the Devi Paksha (Durga Puja festival) | October 14, 2023

Mahalaya, the beginning of the Devi Paksha (Durga Puja festival) | October 14, 2023

Mahalaya is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the Devi Paksha, or the nine-day period leading up to the Durga Puja festival. It is also the end of the Pitru Paksha, or the 16-day period of mourning for ancestors. Mahalaya is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, especially in the state of West Bengal, India.

Mahalaya is, usually, celebrated on the first day of the dark fortnight (Amavasya) of the month of Ashwin, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Mahalaya falls on October 14, 2023.

👉  Significance of Mahalaya

Mahalaya is a significant day for Hindus because it marks the beginning of the Devi Paksha, which is a time to celebrate the divine feminine and the triumph of good over evil. On this day, it is believed that the goddess Durga begins her journey from Mount Kailash, where she resides with her husband Lord Shiva, to her maternal home on Earth.

Mahalaya is also a time to remember and honor one's ancestors. During the Pitru Paksha, Hindus offer food and water to their deceased loved ones and perform rituals to help them on their journey to the afterlife. On Mahalaya, it is believed that the ancestors depart from this world, and the Devi Paksha begins.

👉  How is Mahalaya celebrated?

Mahalaya is celebrated in a variety of ways, depending on the region and tradition. In West Bengal, the day begins with a special radio broadcast of the Mahalaya hymn, which is a recitation from the Devi Mahatmya, a scripture that describes the goddess Durga's battle with the demon Mahishasura. People wake up early in the morning to listen to the hymn, which is considered to be a very auspicious way to start the day.

Throughout the day, people visit temples and offer prayers to the goddess Durga. They also prepare special dishes and sweets to share with family and friends. In some regions, there are also cultural programs and performances held on Mahalaya.

👉  Cultural significance of Mahalaya

Mahalaya is a very important cultural event for Bengalis. It marks the beginning of the festive season and is a time for people to come together and celebrate. The Mahalaya hymn is a particularly iconic part of the Bengali cultural landscape, and it is something that people of all ages look forward to listening to every year.

Mahalaya is also a time for Bengalis to reflect on their heritage and traditions. It is a day to remember one's ancestors and to celebrate the divine feminine. For many Bengalis, Mahalaya is the most important day of the year.

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Read also:

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👉 Festivals of West Bengal | Common Festivals 

👉 Festival of Colours | Holika Dahan  

👉 Guru Purnima | Meaning, Origin and Significance 

👉 Krishna Janmashtami | Rituals and Celebrations