In West Bengal and other regions of India, especially among Bengali populations, Mahalaya signifies the start of the Durga Puja celebration. It is a major religious and cultural holiday that is observed seven days prior to Durga Puja.

Historical and Religious Significance:

Hindu mythology is the source of Mahalaya’s mythology. Legend has it that Mahalaya marks the occasion when Goddess Durga, along with her offspring Ganesha, Kartikeya, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, descended to Earth from her celestial dwelling. Goddess Durga is said to have come to Earth in order to vanquish the buffalo monster Mahishasura and bring righteousness and harmony back to the planet.

The start of “Devi Paksha”: The day of Mahalaya marks the conclusion of “Pitru Paksha,” which is a time for honoring ancestors, and the start of “Devi Paksha,” which is a time for honoring the goddess Durga. Hindus perform an important ceremony on this day: they offer “tarpan,” or prayers, along rivers or other bodies of water for their ancestors who have passed away.

Mahishasura Mardini and the Radio Tradition: Mahalaya is best known for its early morning radio show, “Mahishasura Mardini,” which lasts for two hours and features hymns, devotional music, and recitations from the sacred texts. Since All India Radio (AIR) first aired it in 1931, Bengalis have come to love this beloved custom.The epic struggle between Goddess Durga and the monster Mahishasura is narrated by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, whose voice has become famous and linked with Mahalaya festivities.

Cultural Influence: Mahalaya has developed into a celebration of more than just religion over time. Now is the start of West Bengal’s festival season, which is a time of happiness, festivity, and eagerness for Durga Puja. As people get ready for the big celebrations, the streets are filled with activity and pandals, which are makeshift stages or buildings for Durga Puja, start to take shape.

Visual Tradition: In the present era, television networks also feature special episodes on Mahalaya, including documentaries and mythical plays that recount Durga’s conflict with Mahishasura. These, together with the conventional radio transmission, have become an essential element of today’s cultural fabric.

Spiritual and Social Significance:

For numerous individuals, Mahalaya is not only a religious occasion but also an opportunity to reestablish cultural ties. It represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It also heralds a return of joy and optimism for the neighborhood.

Mahalaya therefore has a particular place in the hearts of Bengali Hindus everywhere and acts as a spiritual and cultural preparation to the magnificent Durga Puja event.

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