New Delhi: Devotees of Goddess Durga are gearing up to welcome Maa Durga and observe the auspicious occasion of ‘Mahalay Amavasya’ as it sets the tone for Durga Puja, the much-awaited annual festival in Bengal.
What is the importance of Mahalaya?
Mahalaya marks the end of Pitrupaksha, the ‘Fortnight of Ancestors’, a 16-day period when Hindus pay homage to ancestors.
Mahalaya marks the beginning of the 10-day annual Durga Puja festival. This year Durga Puja will be celebrated from 11-15 October.
Read also: When is Mahalaya 2021? Date, Significance, Worship and Mahishasurmardini Singing
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Mahalaya is celebrated on Amavasya, the last day of the Krishna Paksha, the dark fortnight in the month of Ashwin. It is believed that every year on this day Goddess Durga descends on the earth, her ‘ancestral home’. A common practice of tarpan in the holy Ganges is popular on this day.
People walk in the holy river and remember their ancestors once before the beginning of the Goddess Paksha.
The month of Sharad begins with Devi Paksha the next day, marking the beginning of the 10-day ‘Sharadotsav’.
Mahalaya holds special significance in the homes of Bengal, including those living outside the state, who wake up early in the morning to welcome Durga as she comes ‘home’ with her children – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesha. .
Listening to the Mahishasurmardini composition at dawn has also been one of the ‘rituals’ of Durga Puja among Bengalis.
Mahalaya 2021 Wishes, Congratulations to share with loved ones
* Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Mahalaya Amavasya.
* May the blessings of Maa Durga remove all obstacles from your life as she removes the darkness from the universe on this auspicious day.
* May this Durga Puja bring happiness and prosperity in all aspects of your life! Shubho Mahalaya
* Rupam dehi,
Jayam dehi,
Yasho Dehi,
Diswo jahi!
May the return of Maa Durga fill the earth with new hope and joy, may this Mahalaya!
* May this festive season brighten up your day and night.
It can add color and make your life more vivid.
May it completely remove all the worries from your life, and give you the strength to face every struggle.
Shubho Mahalaya!
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