The MAHALAYA : History and Importance

Mahalaya marks the homecoming of Maa Durga where she begins her journey from mount Kailash to reach her maternal home that is Earth.

As per the Hindu calendar, Mahalaya is celebrated a week before Durga puja, Mahalaya is the last day of offering tribute to our departed forefathers, that is Pitripaksha and beginning of the Devipaksha.

HISTORY OF MAHALAYA:

According to Hindu mythology the demon king Mahishasura was blessed with a boon that no god or human could kill him. Or which Mahishasura attacked the devatas, and after losing the war to him, they had to leave the Devlok. All the Devtas, along with lord Vishnu, worshiped Adi Shakti to save them from the wrath of Mahishasura. It is believed at this time; a divine light came out of the bodies of all the Devtas and took the shape of Goddess Durga

The war between Maa Durga and Mahishasura lasted for 9 days, and then she killed him on the 10th day. Maa Durga is considered the goddess of power, and Durga puja is celebrated all over the country with much pomp and fervor.

IMPORTANCE OF MAHALAYA:

Mahalaya marks the last day of Pitri paksh and is also known as sarva pitra Amavasya. People remember their ancestors on this day and offer Tarpan or Shraddha to make their souls happy. It is said that on Mahalaya Amavasya morning, first ancestors are given farewell and then in the evening maa Durga comes to earth and stays here to bless people. On the day of Mahalaya devotees wake up early in the morning on Mahalaya to worship goddess Durga by reciting Chandipath, listening to Mahihasura Mardini and other devotional mantras.

Durga puja will begin this year on October 1st (Shashti), 2nd October (Saptami), 3rd October (Ashtami), 4th October (Navami), 5th October (Dashami).

At the end, Team Bongaigaon Times wishes you all a very Happy Durga Puja.

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Deborika Bhattacharjee,

Content Writer,

BONGAIGAON TIMES