Mahalaya 2024: All You Need to Know
Goddess Durga: the Divine Feminine Energy
Divinity in Hindu culture has many forms and Goddess Durga is one such cosmic representation of the feminine energy. Her power and courage are a reminder to people across cultures and boundaries that evil can be vanquished and love, peace and prosperity within the entire universe can be restored. Mahalaya is a depiction of the victory of good over evil and that feminine power often protects and redeems the innocent when all else fails. This article will provide information on Mahalaya, signifying its traditional or cultural importance, and mention how Bengalis enjoy themselves during this auspicious moment.
What is Mahalaya?
Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion for Bengalis living mainly in Indian states like West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Manipur and countries such as Bangladesh. The day is special as it is believed that Goddess Durga descends from Mount Kailasa (abode of Lord Shiva) to earth for her devotees. She arrives with her sons (Lord Kartik and Ganesha) and daughters (Godesses Saraswati and Lakshmi) who accompany her on her journey to her natal home. Durga Puja, a festivity of the Hindu culture celebrated with great fervour succeeds Mahalaya by seven days on which Mahasaptami is celebrated.
When is Mahalaya Celebrated?
According to the Bengali calendar, Mahalaya is celebrated every year on Aswin lunar month and falls on Amavasya or new moon day. In 2024, it will be celebrated on 2nd October as per Gregorian Calendar which happens to coincide with the national holiday for Gandhi Jayanti. Mahalaya marks the end of "Pitru Paksha" which started on September 17 and the beginning of Devi Paksha which ends on Kojagori Lakshmi Puja, the day of Purnima or full moon. The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as "Mahalaya Amavasya" and Durga Puja takes place on the sixth day of Devi Paksha.
Significance of Mahalaya
Mahalaya is a term that is composed of two words, "Maha" and "laya" referring to the "Great Abode of the Goddess". The central theme of Mahalaya is present in the "Devi Mahatmya" (Glory of the Goddess), a Sanskrit text in Markandya Purana. The ancient text describes the epic battle between Goddess Durga and the shapeshifting Mahisasura (buffalo demon) that took place for 9 days and 9 nights. That is why Navratri is celebrated for 9 days where the 9 specific forms of Goddess Durga for each day are worshipped. The buffalo demon Mahisasura wreaked havoc among the celestial and the mortal realms gloated with the boon for invincibility granted by Lord Brahma (the creator of the Universe). As a result, the Trimurti or the Holy Trinity (Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) along with other deities combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, a feminine symbol of strength and courage. The battle concluded with the victory of Goddess Durga, also known as Mahisasuramardini which means "one who annihilated Mahisasura".
Mahalaya sets the anticipation for Durga Puja which is celebrated to invoke the Goddess, express devotion and seek blessings from the powerful feminine energy or Shakti. Apart from this, people go for pandal hopping, deck themselves in new attire and enjoy the day with great enthusiasm.
Mahisasurmardini by Birendra Krishna Bhadra
Mahisasurmardini, also known as Chandi Paath is a recitation from the Devi Mahatmya, the powerful narration that was performed by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. He was a versatile Bengali radio broadcaster, playwright and actor who performed live on All India Radio Calcutta in the 1930s. Since 1952, the recorded, emotion-filled voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra echoes through radio stations at dawn on Mahalaya. Although a renowned Bengali actor Uttam Kumar lent his voice to the narration, Birendra Krishna Bhadra's recitation replaced it to remain an unparalleled and largely preferred version among the Bengali masses. Apart from the recitation, the 90 mins program also includes devotional songs, classical music and Sanskrit shlokas. As reported by his daughter, Sujata, Birendra Krishna Bhadra became overpowered with emotion with each utterance as he was able to perceive Maa Chandi (a fearless form of Maa Durga) during the narration.
Chokkhudan and Ghatsthapan on Mahalaya
Chokkhudan
Mahalaya is an occasion when the idols of Goddess Durga are given the final touches by painting her beautiful eyes. The senior member of the artisans is entrusted with the process. Later, incantations are recited for the Goddess to open its eyes so that the Devi wakes up to destroy the evil forces in the world, protect its inhabitants and confer blessings on them.
Ghatasthapana
Ghatathspana which is a preliminary step before commencing Navratri is carried out on the first one-third of the day while Pratipada is prevailing. In 2024, Ghathasthapana will take place on 3rd October and the divine timing (muhurta) is from 6:15 a.m. to 7:22 a.m. However, if the Ghathasthapana timing is missed, the alternative Abhijit muhurta is between 11:46 a.m. to 12:33 p.m. The process of Ghathasthapana involves filling a Kalash (pot) with holy water (Ganga) that is enveloped with cow dung where barley seeds are placed. The process involves other steps and serves as a request to the Goddess to take residence in the kalash that is believed to attract blessings of the divine energy. However, the timings for Ghathasthapana should be maintained as according to beliefs doing otherwise can incur the wrath of the Devi.
How do Bengalis Celebrate Mahalaya?
1. Broadcast of Mahalaya at Dawn
Birendra Krishna's "Mahisasuramardini" is broadcast on radio each year on Mahalaya at 4:00 a.m. Bengalis wake up at dawn to listen to the recitation that depicts the epic battle of Goddess Durga with Mahisasura thus making a devotional start to their special day. Several TV channels enact the mythological story of the slaying of Mahisasura by Goddess Durga which helps people connect with their Bengali culture.
2. Tarpan on Mahalaya
People on Mahalaya conduct Tarpan, a traditional ritual that is meant to pay homage to the forefathers of a family. Shraddh can be performed where food (pinda), water and prayers are offered to the departed kin. It is believed that any "Pitri Dosha" will be overcome if tarpan is carried out as the blessings of the ancestors are bestowed on the successors.
3. Delicacies on Mahalaya
Mahalaya calls for celebration through the cooking of various food items that are an absolute delight for the Bengalis. To celebrate, often people decide to have delicacies and sweets such as Sandesh, Rasagullas, Payesh and Misti aloo pitha. Some households even have luchi and aloo dum in the morning which is considered a classic Bengali breakfast.
Wrap up!
Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion that makes every Bengali kickstart their day by listening to Mahisasuramardini in the sonorous voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra resounding from the radio stations at dawn. By conducting tarpan, blessings from ancestors are sought and the idol of Goddess Durga is completed with Chokkhudan. Above all, Maa Durga is invoked to bestow her blessings on her devotees and her victory is a testimony that for every sin committed, the triumph of positive force is inevitable.
Concluding with the highly awe-inspiring lines from Mahisasuramardini:
"Jago tumi jago, jago Durga
(Awaken oh Goddess, Awaken oh Durga)
Jago abhaya shakti
(Awaken the fearless, feminine Cosmic Force)
Bolo pradayini tumi jago!"
(The provider of strength within, Awake Thee!).
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