Mahalaya: Time of piety and new beginnings
Durga Puja, according to legend, marks the beginning of the 'Devipaksha,' the auspicious time when the Gods and Goddesses wake up from their slumber and prepare for the Puja. The Mahalaya is also the fortnight before the Navratras.
AS THE autumn season begins in the earnest, the six day long Durga Puja activities begin in West Bengal and other parts of the country, from the wee hours of Friday (September 18) with the Mahalaya. The festival, according to legend, marks the beginning of the “Devipaksha,” the auspicious time when the Gods and Goddesses wake up from their slumber and prepare for the Durga Puja.
The Durga Puja festivities are carried out at the time when the Goddess leaves her heavenly abode and visits the earth for four days. The celebrations are a way to welcome her to people's home for the time she is here. The deity is welcomed in her form of Mahishasur Mardani, in order to mark the victory of good over evil.
In Kolkata, according to a conservative estimate, nearly a 1,000 pandals have been erected across the city.
From early morning, people go for a holy dip in the Ganges river and perform the Tarpan. Artisans who prepare the Goddess' idols for the Puja, traditionally paint her eyes on this day. The people of West Bengal and other part of country have been geared up to welcome the Goddess Durga. Puja Pandals are set up across cities and towns alike.
The Mahalaya is also the fortnight before the Navratras and is a time when Hindus pray for the well-being of their ancestors who are no longer a part of the mortal realm. Legend states that this the time when the spirits of these ancestors come to earth and visit their descendents. On the Mahalaya Amavasya, food is donated to the poor, in memory of these ancestors.
In Kolkata, according to a conservative estimate, nearly a 1,000 pandals have been erected across the city.
From early morning, people go for a holy dip in the Ganges river and perform the Tarpan. Artisans who prepare the Goddess' idols for the Puja, traditionally paint her eyes on this day. The people of West Bengal and other part of country have been geared up to welcome the Goddess Durga. Puja Pandals are set up across cities and towns alike.
The Mahalaya is also the fortnight before the Navratras and is a time when Hindus pray for the well-being of their ancestors who are no longer a part of the mortal realm. Legend states that this the time when the spirits of these ancestors come to earth and visit their descendents. On the Mahalaya Amavasya, food is donated to the poor, in memory of these ancestors.
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