Mahalaya
September 21, Sunday
Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, Karnataka
Date and significance
Mahalaya is celebrated a few days before the start of Durga Puja, usually in late September or early October, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival signifies the arrival of the goddess Durga on Earth to destroy the demon Mahishasura. It is also a day to honor deceased ancestors, as it is believed that their souls return to Earth to bless the living.
Traditions and rituals
Mahalaya involves several key rituals:
* Morning prayers and reading of sacred texts, such as the Shrimad Bhagavatam.
* Visiting rivers and lakes to perform ancestor worship rituals (Tritiya), including offering food.
* Preparation for Durga Puja: making altars, decorating homes, and preparing festive dishes.
* Listening to traditional radio broadcasts "Mahishasura Mardini," which narrate the myth of goddess Durga and her battle with the demon.
Cultural significance
Mahalaya unites religious and family traditions. It reminds people of the importance of honoring ancestors, preserving cultural rituals, and preparing for the grand celebrations of Durga Puja, when families gather, organize fairs, and stage theatrical performances.
Modern celebration
Today, Mahalaya is widely observed in Bengal and among the Bengali diaspora. People decorate their homes, prepare traditional dishes, and participate in community events and festivals. For many, it is a time of spiritual cleansing and reconnecting with ancestral traditions.
Mahalaya in other years
- 2022 September 25, Sunday
- 2023 October 14, Saturday
- 2024 October 2, Wednesday
- 2026 October 10, Saturday