New Delhi: Durga Puja 2023 is just a few days away and Bengalis around the world are brimming with joy. This festive event is characterized by immense enthusiasm and anticipation, with preparations commencing months in advance. The initiation of this grand festival occurs during Devi Paksha on the auspicious day of Mahalaya. On this day, Kolkata stirs to life in the wee hours of morning to the enchanting voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra's Mahishasuramarddini, resonating from radio sets in every household. As the fragrant scent of kaash flowers wafts through the air, Kolkata prepares itself to welcome the Goddess with unwavering devotion and boundless excitement.
This year, Mahalaya falls on October 14, and to commemorate this special occasion you can begin your day by listening to the chants of Mahishasuramarddini.
About Mahishasuramarddini:
Mahishasuramardini is an hour-long audio composition that weaves together Bengali devotional songs, classical music, and the sacred recitation of Chandipaath. This program is simultaneously aired in Hindi, making it accessible to a diverse, pan-Indian audience. All India Radio has maintained the ritual of broadcasting this program every year, just before the break of dawn at 4:00 AM. While the program initially debuted as a live performance, it transitioned to a pre-recorded format in 1966. Remarkably, even after years since its inception, the program still remains popular with Bengalis eagerly waiting to listen to it every year.
Rituals Of Mahalaya 2023:
The initial step involves rising early to complete the morning rituals. The person observing this tradition, typically the eldest male member of the family, dons yellow attire and extends an invitation to a Brahmin to visit their home. The observer then attends to the Brahmin's comfort by washing their feet and providing a clean resting place, with sesame seeds scattered on the floor. There are specific seating arrangements: a Matru Paksha Brahmin faces north, while a Deva Paksha Brahmin faces east.
Following these preparations, homage is paid to the ancestors, or pitrs, through offerings of Diya, incense (dhoop), flowers, barley, and water, in order to appeasing them. Additionally, the observer adorns a sacred thread over their right shoulder.
After successfully honouring and worshipping the forefathers, the household prepares a special meal, which is then presented to the Brahmin. Mantras are recited and chanted to invoke blessings from the ancestors, and family members seek forgiveness and pray for the peace of their departed loved ones.
Significance Of Mahalaya 2023:
Mahalaya serves as the final day of Pitru Paksha and is often referred to as Sarva Pitra Amavasya. On this day, many individuals pay homage to their ancestors by performing Tarpan or Shraddha rituals, intended to bring solace to their departed souls. It is believed that during the morning of Mahalaya, the first rituals to bid farewell to the ancestors are observed, and in the evening, Goddess Durga descends to the earthly realm, where she stays to bestow her blessings upon the people.
This year, Durga Puja begins from October 20 with Mahashahthi and Culminates on October 24 with Vijaya Dashami.