Every Bengali across the world by this time are eagerly waiting to welcome Goddess Durga and soak in the joy of celebration and fun. The official countdown for Durga Puja starts with Mahalaya. Mahalaya marks the end of Pitri Paksha or Pitru Paksha, when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, and the start of Devi Paksha. The word "Mahalaya" is formed of two words "Maha" or grand and "Alaya" meaning abode. Subho Mahalaya 2019 Wishes in Bengali: WhatsApp Stickers, Images, Messages, Facebook Photos, SMS & Quotes to Kickstart Durga Puja Celebrations.

Date And Time of Mahalaya 2019

This year the auspicious day of Mahalaya will begin from September 28, 2:50 am to September 29, 12:24 am. On this day, several rituals are performed, like offering food and water as a homage to their forefathers to express their gratitude, known as Tarpon or Tarpan early in the morning.

For years, another ritual which Bengalis follow on this day is to wake up at 4 am in the morning and to tune into Birendra Krishna Bhadra's "Mahishasura Mardini" recitation from the verses of Chandi Path along with Bengali devotional songs. The best part is Bhadra's resounding voice continues to reverberate in the ears of every Bengali even after 87 years. The early morning pre-recorded recital continues to run since 1958 on this day. Mahalaya 2019: How to Hear Birendra Krishna Bhadra's Mahishasura Mardini Live on AIR, Watch Online on YouTube And Telecast on Zee Bangla, Star Jalsha & Other Channels.

Significance of Mahalaya:

This is an auspicious day in the calendar of the Bengali community and it is believed that Goddess Durga along with her entire family comprising of Ganesha, Laxmi, Saraswati, and Kartik starts their journey to earth on this day. Mahalaya is observed seven days before the start of Durga Puja.

By Mahalaya, the artisans are busy adding their final touches to their Maa Durga idol and on this day, she is brought to life (pran-pratishtha). It is also marked with the ritual to paint the eyes of the Goddess on this day, which is called Chakshu-daan.

What is the story of Mahishasura Mardini?

According to legend, Goddess Durga came to the earth to destroy the demon Mahishasura. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva) came together to create a powerful female form with ten arms--Goddess Durga. Armed with weapons, Durga came to earth riding a lion to fight with Mahisasura. At the end of a fierce battle, Durga slays Asura. Thus, she came to be known as 'Mahishasuramardini' or the slayer of Mahishasura. The day is a reflection of the triumph of good over evil.

Here's wishing all our readers a Very Happy Durga Puja.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2019 12:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).