Durga Puja, one of the most significant and eagerly awaited festivals in India, particularly in the state of West Bengal, is celebrated with immense zeal and devotion. The festival begins with the observance of Mahalaya, a day that marks the onset of Durga Puja festivities and holds deep cultural and religious significance. In 2023, Mahalaya is set to be observed on September 14th.

Mahalaya 2023 Date, Celebrations, Rituals & Shubh Muhurat

The date for Mahalaya 2023 is Saturday, October 14, and the auspicious time or shubh muhurat will be 9:29 PM on October 13 to 10:54 PM. Here are some other special aspects of Mahayalaya traditions, celebrations and rituals: October 2023 Holidays Calendar With Major Festivals and Events.

Mahalaya Broadcast: The most iconic tradition of Mahalaya in West Bengal is the early morning broadcast of the program known as "Mahishasura Mardini" on the radio. This program, with its enchanting narration and devotional songs, ushers in the festive spirit of Durga Puja. It has been a cherished tradition since the 1930s.

Tarpan: Families visit the banks of rivers, especially the Hooghly, to offer Tarpan, a ritual of offering water to their ancestors. It is believed that this act helps the souls of the departed find peace.

Durga Puja Decorations Begin: After Mahalaya, preparations for Durga Puja gain momentum. Artisans and craftsmen begin crafting idols of Goddess Durga, and pandals (temporary decorative structures) start taking shape across the state.

Shopping and Socialising: People start their shopping for new clothes and other essentials needed for the grand celebrations. The air is filled with a sense of anticipation, and communities come together to plan and organize various aspects of the festival.

Community Bonding: Mahalaya fosters a sense of unity and community bonding. Friends and families come together to share stories, visit pandal construction sites, and participate in the festivities that lie ahead.

Mahalaya: The Legend

The legend of Mahalaya is closely associated with the mythical origin of Goddess Durga. According to Hindu mythology, Mahalaya is believed to be the day when Goddess Durga begins her annual journey from her heavenly abode to Earth, where she comes to her parents' home, marking her arrival for the grand celebration of Durga Puja.

The legend goes back to the demon king Mahishasura, who, with his extraordinary powers, threatened the peace of the heavens and the earth. Unable to bear his tyranny, the gods combined their powers and created Goddess Durga, a fierce warrior, to vanquish Mahishasura. This battle between good and evil continued for nine days and nights, culminating in the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king on the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra.

Mahalaya is considered an auspicious day when devotees offer prayers and pay homage to their ancestors. It is believed that performing these rituals on Mahalaya ensures the blessings and protection of their forefathers during the upcoming festival.

Mahalaya is a special day in West Bengal that heralds the beginning of Durga Puja, an occasion filled with joy, devotion, and cultural fervour. It's a time when the people of West Bengal and Bengali communities worldwide eagerly await the arrival of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the celebration of divine strength.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2023 01:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).