As the flawless azure sky stretches overhead and the landscape is adorned with the graceful 'kaash' flowers, a poignant Sharad, the autumnal beauty, descends upon Bengal. It's time for Durga Puja, the grandest festival of the region. The five-day extravaganza that marks this festivity is not merely a moment of grandeur; its essence is woven into the very fabric of anticipation, beginning well before the revered Goddess departs her celestial abode in Kailash to grace her mortal home.

Mahalaya, the epicentre of this spiritual prelude, reverberates with significance. It emerges with the end of 'Pitripaksha', a 16-day period devoted to ancestral homage in Hindu tradition. The transition to 'Devipaksha', following Mahalaya, sets the stage for the forthcoming Durga Puja celebration.

Timed with the culmination of the lunar month of Ashwin's dark fortnight, Mahalaya heralds the advent of the Sharad month, enkindling the fervour of the 'Sharadotsav' or Durga Puja.

This year, Mahalaya dawns on October 14, while the Durga Puja will unfold from October 20 (Mahashasthi) to October 24 (Bijoya Dashami). The allure of Mahalaya's significance stretches beyond Bengal's borders. Government offices and schools remain closed, and so are banks in the state and in neighbouring Odisha and Tripura.


The Mahalaya Tradition

The culmination of Pitripaksha is marked by 'tarpan', a ritual offering that extends homage to ancestors in Hindu tradition. The devout take a holy dip in the waters of the Ganges or other rivers, offering prayers to the departed souls.


The 'Krishnapaksha' ends and the 'Shuklapaksha', the brighter fortnight, begins. This fortnight in the month of Sharad is celebrated as 'Devipaksha'. On the first day of Devipaksha, sculptors paint the eyes of Goddess Durga clay idols. The intricate ritual known as 'Chakkhudaan' in Bengal is believed to awaken the Goddess in the idol. Artisans then begin arrangements for transport of the idols to Puja pandals.

The Enchantment of 'Mahishasuramardini' Recital

Mahalaya prompts a surge of nostalgia in Bengali hearts, igniting memories of a cherished past. The ritual of tuning into Akashvani radio for the signature broadcast, 'Mahishasuramardini', is etched deep in the memory of Bengali households. This broadcast, initiated in 1931 and spearheaded by the iconic voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, continues ro enthral listeners with soul-stirring shlokas and melodies invoking the 'Devi'.

The radio broadcast of Mahishasuramardini is a time-honoured tradition for Bengalis, and it is one that many people have listened to every year since they were children. The chanting of the holy verses by Bhadra, along with the beautiful music, creates a magical atmosphere that is both calming and uplifting. It is a time to reflect on the past year, to give thanks for the blessings of the Devi, and to look forward to the upcoming festivities.

 

Durga Puja 2023 Dates:

 

Durga Puja commences on the sixth day after Mahalaya, known as 'Mahashahthi' with the Devi's 'Bodhan' and culminates on 'Vijaya Dashami'. The dates of this massive celebration are as follows:


  • Maha Shashthi 2023: Friday, October 20

  • Maha Saptami 2023: Saturday, October 21

  • Maha Ashtami 2023: Sunday, October 22

  • Maha Navami 2023:  Monday, October 23

  • Vijaya Dashami 2023: Tuesday, October 24