Mahalaya 2024 - Everything About the Festival in India

Mahalaya, celebrated on October 2, 2024, marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities. This auspicious day heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth. Devotees start the day early by listening to the Mahishasura Mardini broadcast, a melodious invocation of the goddess. Rituals include offering prayers and performing Tarpan, a homage to ancestors. Mahalaya signifies the onset of the festive spirit and is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Bengal and other regions.

Traditions of Mahalaya

On the day of Mahalaya, devotees of Goddess Durga wake up before the sun rises and perform Tarpan. The ritual includes offering prayers to their departed ancestors, giving alms to the needy, and giving bhog to Brahmins. A special puja is also performed before filling colours in Goddess Durga’s eyes on Mahalaya day. Chandi path and other divine prayers are also chanted at sunrise, and Mahishasura Mardini is broadcast on the radio.

History of Mahalaya

The mythology holds that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara created the goddess Durga to combat the demon king Mahishasura. It is believed that Goddess Durga visits her ancestral residence in Mahalaya. It took Goddess Durga around nine days to fight Mahisasura, and on the ninth day, she defeated the demon, which marked the beginning of Navratri and Durga Puja.

Advantages of Paying Homage To Ancestors On Mahalaya

Paying homage to one’s ancestors on Mahalaya is a tradition in many parts of India. It is believed that by doing so, one can earn the blessings of their ancestors and receive their protection. Additionally, it is thought that paying homage to ancestors helps to keep their memories alive and helps to connect future generations with their past. For many, Mahalaya is a time to reflect on their ancestors’ lives and give thanks for all they have done for them. By paying homage to ancestors, negative energy is released, which helps to create a sense of belongingness and unity within the family.