New Delhi: Devotees of Goddess Durga are set to welcome Ma Durga and observe the auspicious occasion of ‘Mahalaya Amavasya' as it sets the tone for the much-awaited annual festival Durga Puja in Bengal.


What’s the significance of Mahalaya?


Mahalaya marks the end of Pitripaksha, ‘the fortnight of the forefathers’, 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 October 11-15.


ALSO READ: When Is Mahalaya 2021? Date, Significance, Puja And Mahishasuramardini Rendition


According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Mahalaya is observed on Amavasya, the last day of Krishnapaksha, the dark fortnight, in the month of Ashwin. It is believed that Goddess Durga descends on Earth, her ‘paternal home’, on this day every year.  A common practice of tarpan in the holy Ganges is popular on this day.


People throng the holy river and remember their ancestors one last time before the beginning of Devi Paksha.


The month of Sharad begins the next day, along with Devipaksha, heralding the 10-day ‘Sharadotsav’.


Mahalaya holds a special significance in Bengal households, including those living outside the state, who wake up before dawn to welcome Durga as She comes ‘home’ with her children — Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh.


Listening to the Mahishasuramardini composition at the crack of dawn has also been one of the Durga Puja ‘rituals’ among Bengalis.


Mahalaya 2021 Wishes, Greetings To Share With Loved Ones


* Here’s wishing one and all a very blissful Mahalaya Amavasya.


* May Maa Durga's blessings remove all obstacles from your life as she removes the darkness from the universe on this auspicious day. 


* May this Durga Puja bring joy and prosperity to all aspects of your life! Shubho Mahalaya 


* Rupam dehi,
Jayam dehi,
Yasho dehi,
Diswo jahi!
May Maa Durga's homecoming fill Earth with new hope and joy, this Mahalaya!  


* May this festive season brightens your days and nights.
May it add colour and make your life more bright.
May it amply remove all worries from your life, and give you strength to face every strife.
Shubho Mahalaya!