Durga Puja is just a few weeks away, and preparations across West Bengal are underway to welcome goddess Durga. The celebrations of Durga Puja begin with Devi Paksha on the auspicious day of Mahalaya. It’s believed that Goddess Durga descends on Earth on Mahalaya. So, people across West Bengal prepare to welcome Maa Durga with all traditional fervor and devotion.
The name ‘Mahalaya’ is derived from the Sanskrit terms ‘Maha’ and ‘Alaya’, which combined indicate the ‘Great Abode’ or the ‘Home of the Goddess’.
When Is Mahalaya 2024? Date and Time
Mahalaya marks the start of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitru Paksha. According to Drik Panchang, Pitru Paksha began on September 17 and end on October 2. The final day of Pitru Paksha is ‘Mahalaya Amavasya’, will also be celebrated on October 2 this year. The day also coincides with Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday.
According astrologers, Goddess Durga will come on a palanquin this year and return on the Charanayudha.
Historical and Religious Significance of Mahalaya
The basic concept of Mahalaya is inspired by a fable from the “Devi Mahatmya” (The Glory of the Goddess) from the epic Markandeya Purana. This ancient religious text narrates the story of Goddess Durga and how she slayed demon king Mahishasura.
Mahishasura, who had gained an invincible boon from Lord Brahma, was wreaking havoc. Unable to defeat him, the gods combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, who was blessed with weapons from all the gods, including the supreme trinity- Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
The fight between Mahishasura and Durga lasted nine days and nights, culminating in the demon’s defeat on the tenth day, which is known as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra.
Mahalaya 2024 Rituals
- People get up early in the morning and take a holy bath.
- Cleaning the house and offering Arghya to Lord Surya is a part of the day’s rituals.
- On Mahalaya, people perform Shradh and Tarpan rituals for ancestors.
- Sattvik food, without onion, garlic and oil, is prepared and offered to ancestors.
- Many households also donate food, new cloth and dakshina to the priest after performing Shradh.
- On this day, a few Hindu households also perform the pitritarpan rituals, which involve offering prayers to the deceased in the form of ‘pind-daan’ on the banks of the River Ganga.
How Mahalaya Is Celebrated Across India
Mahalaya is held about 9 days before Durga Puja. The day marks the beginning of the preparations for Durga Puja. Recital of ‘Durga Saptashati Chandi’ or ‘Chandi Paath’ at households across West Bengal is a common practice on this day. The Durga Puja committees also perform the ‘Ghat Sthapna’ or ‘Kalas Sthapna’ rituals marking the beginning of the preparations at Puja Pandals.
Mahalaya and Durga Puja 2024 Calendar
The Durgotsav, a five-day festival that begins with Shashthi and ends with Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, will take place from October 9 to October 13, 2024. Check below for the Durga Puja 2024 Calendar:
- Mahalaya – Wednesday, October 2
- Maha Panchami – Monday, October 7
- Maha Shashthi – Tuesday, October 8
- Maha Saptami – Wednesday, October 9
- Maha Ashtami – Thursday, October 10
- Maha Navami – Friday, October 11
- Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra – Saturday, October 12.
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