Overview
The day in which Goddess Durga vanquished the monster Mahishasura, is commemorated and celebrated by the Hindus as Mahalaya. For the Bengali people, it marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha Shradh or the start of Durga Puja. Pitru Paksha in Hindu mythology refers to a time when people revere their predecessors and seek blessings for their spirits. Even though as previously stated, Mahalaya signifies the start of the Durga Puja celebrations in West Benga, it is also observed by the community at large residing beyond the state. The goddess is said to have landed on Earth on the day of Mahalaya. It is also the starting day of month Ashwin. However, the beginning of this brilliant fortnight is also known as Matamaha or Dauhitra meaning "Mother's father" and "Daughter's son" respectively.
Mahalaya in the year 2021 is to be observed on October 6. People following the Bengali traditions listen to songs like Mahishasura Mardini which is an audio version of the recitations of Chandipath with scriptural passages of Sri Sri Chandi along with other devotional music after they wake up early in the morning. On this day, the goddess is said to embark on her voyage down from Mountain Kailasha to the plains which is where her maternal abode in Earth is. She travels on a boat, a palanquin, a horse, or an elephant. Goddess Durga's arrival on the boat usually refers to rain and fears of blood but assures good yield. Her arrival on the palanquin means that a plague might follow but she will rescue everyone through it. When she arrives on a horse, it means that she is fighting with all the negativity and evils to bring us a better future. And while arriving on an elephant, she brings peace, prosperity, and good fortune.
On Mahalaya, there are several benefits of paying tribute to forefathers. When worshippers commemorate and pay respect to their predecessors on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya, it is thought that the ancestors become liberated from their suffering. Following below are some of the advantages of honouring and commemorating your ancestors:
The foods offerings made for the ancestors are usually cooked in silver or copper vessels and typically offered on a banana leaf or cups made of dried leaves. It will be offered to crows.
The Amavasya tithi begins at 7.04 pm on 5 October and ends at 4.34 pm on 6 October, as per Drikpanchang.
Kutup Muhurat - 12:03 PM to 12:50 PM- Duration - 00 Hours 47 Mins
Rohina Muhurat - 12:50 PM to 01:38 PM- Duration - 00 Hours 47 Mins
Aparahna Kaal - 01:38 PM to 04:00 PM- Duration - 02 Hours 22 Mins
Amavasya Tithi Begins - 07:04 PM on Oct 05, 2021
Amavasya Tithi Ends - 04:34 PM on Oct 06, 2021