Mahalaya is an important day on the Hindu calendar marking the beginning of the Durga Puja festival. This year, Mahalaya is falling on September 21, and it is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey to Earth. The preparation for Durga Puja begins a week early with rituals like Ulto Rath, but the final preparations take place on Mahalaya. Read to know the importance of this day.
When Is Mahalaya And What Is Its Significance?
In 2025, Mahalaya will be celebrated on September 21, with the Amavasya Tithi starting at 12:16 AM and ending at 1:23 AM on 22 September. This day is also known as Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya. On this day, devotees perform rituals like tarpan, pind daan, and shraddh. During the rituals, they pray for the peace of departed souls and to seek their blessings.
This day is also important because it marks the beginning of festival season. On the next day, that is Sharadiya Navratri, devotees welcome Goddess Durga with the ritual of Kalash Sthapana. It can be said that this day is to honour the ancestors and also the day Goddess Durga begins her journey to Earth, reported Times Now.
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Beliefs And Story Of Mahalaya
According to devotees, the demon king Mahishasura was granted a boon that no god or human could kill him. When gods like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva failed to defeat him, they sought the help of the Supreme Shakti. Goddess Durga fought Mahishasura and killed him. During the battle, the gods provided her with various weapons, empowering her to fight and establishing her as the revered Goddess of Power.
Mahalaya marks the final day of the Pitru Paksha shraddh period in Hindu tradition. It also signifies the descent of Goddess Durga to Earth. Some people believe that on this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey towards her parental home, which is the Earth. Durga Puja is celebrated with the greatest grandeur in West Bengal.
How excited are you to celebrate this day? Let us know in the comments section.
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