The auspicious festival of Durga Puja is almost here and devotees are all gearing up for the occasion that begins with Pitru Paksha. Also spelt Pitri Paksha, it is a 15-day lunar period in the Hindu calendar that falls on the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada when people pay homage to their ancestors. The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, commonly referred to as Mahalaya, marking the beginning of Devi Paksha, Goddess Durga’s arrival on Earth. So, when is Mahalaya 2024? With the festive season approaching, we bring you all the details you should know ahead of Durgotsav. Know Pitru Paksha 2024 dates, Mahalaya rituals, puja vidhi and significance, marking the start of the Durga Puja 2024 festival.

Pitru Paksha 2024 Dates

Pitru Paksha also spelt Pitri Paksha, is a period of 15 lunar days when Hindus remember their ancestors. It falls in the lunar month of Bhadrapada, beginning with the full moon day or the next day after the full moon day. According to Drik Panchang, Pitru Paksha 2024 begins with Purnima Shraddha on September 17 and ends with Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, which this year falls on October 2.

Mahalaya 2024 Date and Amavasya Tithi

Mahalaya marks the start of Devi Paksha, with Devi Durga’s arrival on Earth. Pitru Paksha 2024 ends with Mahalaya Amavasya on October 2, which means Mahalaya 2024 falls on October 2. The Amavasya tithi begins at 09:39 PM on October 1 and ends at 12:18 AM on October 3. The transition from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm.

Mahalaya Rituals, Puja Vidhi and Significance

As mentioned earlier, Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha. In some households, a ritual called Pitru Tarpan is performed on this day. Prayers and offerings are made in honour of departed ancestors. The Pitru Tarpan or Shraddha rituals are intended to bring solace to the departed souls. After the auspicious rituals are performed, devotees gear up for Devi Paksha, Goddess Durga’s descent on Earth.

The observance of Mahalaya is highly significant, especially among the Bengalis. The break of dawn awakens the tradition of listening to a collection of songs and mantras, ‘Mahishasura Mardini,’ that narrates the tale of Maa Durga’s birth and triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. The divine voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra's Mahishasuramarddini is played in every household. With the fragrant scent of kaash flowers, the mesmerising view of these white stalks swaying against the blue sky marks the onset of Durga Puja. Devotees believe that chanting the mantras and utmost devotion can help in the successful invocation of her power and blessings.

While the countdown of Durga Puja begins much earlier, it is the observance of Mahalaya that the preparations enter its final phase. Durga Puja 2024 will start with Panchami on October 8 and end on October 13 with Vijayadashami.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2024 05:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).