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Mahalaya 2023: Mahalaya is an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with great fervor and devotion in the Indian subcontinent, especially in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. This day marks the beginning of the much-awaited festival of Durga Puja, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. This year Mahalaya falls on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
The word “Mahalaya” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Maha” and “Alaya,” which together mean the “Great Abode” or the “Home of the Goddess.” It is believed that on this day, the goddess Durga begins her journey from Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, to Earth, to descend upon her devotees. This event is narrated in the mythical story of Mahalaya, a recitation known as “Mahishasura Mardini.”
The central theme of Mahalaya is based on a legend from the “Devi Mahatmya” (The Glory of the Goddess), an ancient Sanskrit text that is a part of the Markandeya Purana. This text narrates the story of the goddess Durga and her battle against the demon Mahishasura, a buffalo demon who terrorised the heavens and Earth.
Mahishasura, who had obtained a boon of invincibility from Lord Brahma, was causing havoc and subduing the gods. Unable to defeat him, the gods combined their powers to create the goddess Durga, who was endowed with extraordinary strength and weapons. The battle between Mahishasura and Durga raged for nine days and nights, ultimately culminating in the demon’s defeat on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami.
Mahalaya is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India, especially in the state of West Bengal, where it holds tremendous cultural and religious significance.
The most iconic and widely observed tradition on Mahalaya is the recitation of “Mahishasura Mardini,” a hymn from the “Devi Mahatmya.” Many people wake up before dawn to listen to the special radio broadcast of this hymn, which has been a tradition since 1931. It is considered an auspicious start to the day and is believed to invoke the goddess Durga’s blessings.
Devotees offer prayers, fast, take a dip in the Ganges, participate in cultural programmes, among other things to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Traditional Bengali dishes, sweets, and delicacies are prepared and shared with family and friends. The festive meal is an integral part of the celebration.
In different parts of India, Mahalaya might be celebrated with variations in customs and traditions, but the common thread is the reverence for goddess Durga and the anticipation of the grand Durga Puja festival that follows. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and to seek the blessings and protection of the divine.
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