All about Mahalaya

Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Durga Puja celebrations, is here. It is observed at the end of Shradh or Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. This year, this special day is falling on Sunday, September 25.

Not only does this annual event hold a religious and spiritual significance, but it also reminds us of the power of truth, of courage and the universal fact that in the end, good will always triumph over evil.

Mahalaya is all about the beginning of Durga Puja fun. Generally, people believe that on this day, Goddess Durga officially begins her journey from Mount Kailash - where she resides with her husband Lord Shiva - to her maternal home on Earth. As per the Hindu calendar, the celebrations of Mahalaya begin a week before the Durga Puja celebrations.

On Mahalaya, households wake up early in the morning - even before sunrise. The occasion is associated with different practices and rituals. Many people perform 'tarpan' on this day to offer prayers to the departed souls of their ancestors and offer 'bhog' to Brahmins, along with food and materials to the needy. Some Hindu households offer the ritual of Pitru Tarpan during this day wherein they offer prayers and offerings (pind-daan) on the banks of the river Ganga for the departed ancestors.

People even prefer listening to the Mahishasuramardini composition by Birendra Krishna Bhadra on the radio. Also, there is a special ritual associated with the painting of the eyes of the goddess. On Mahalaya, artisans carry out their final touch of drawing the eyes of Ma Durga. Shubho Mahalaya, everybody! (ANI)

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