What is the significance of Mahalaya?
Typically, 'Mahalaya' marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of the Pitri Paksha. Pitri Paksha is considered inauspicious, because shradhh or death rites are performed during this period. During the 16-day lunar period people remember and pay homage to their ancestors through food and water offerings. Mahalaya is usually celebrated seven days prior to Durga Puja, where every Bengali household wakes up before the sun rise and customarily listen to a collection of shlokas and songs called ‘Mahishasura Mardini’.
The rendition of ‘Mahishasura Mardini’, by the famous voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra sets the tone for the annual pilgrimage of the Goddess. These mantras invoke the Goddess; the most famous one being Jago Tumi Jago (meaning, ‘awaken, oh Goddess!’)
On this day people also offer obeisance to their forefathers on the banks of Ganga.
What does the legend say?
Even as there are several folklores associated with the day, but the most popular version believes Goddess Durga officially starts her journey from Mount Kailash, to her maternal home on Earth. It is believed that Goddess Durga travels almost a week with her children Ganesha, Kartik, Lakshmi and Saraswati, on a vehicle of her choice which could be a palanquin or a boat, an elephant or a horse.
Here are Shubha Mahalaya 2020 Wishes, Quotes & Greetings
1. On the numerous day of Mahalaya Amavasya, here is extending my heat greetings and greatest needs to you and your loved ones.
2. Shubho Mahalaya! With the tip of the Pitru Paksha, allow us to all gear as much as welcome Maa Durga. May the blessings of the Mother Goddess at all times be with you.
3. Wishing Goddess Durga destroy all evil round you. May the Goddess fill your life with prosperity and happiness. May you’ve got immense peace this Devi Paksha. Happy Mahalaya
4. May the arrival of Maa Durga in a few weeks end all your miseries and may you be blessed with her choicest blessings. Shubho Mahalaya.
5. As we all wait for the arrival fo Maa Dura in about four weeks this year, here’s extending Shubho Mahalaya greetings to you and your loved ones.
6. Memories of festivals celebrated collectively, Moments which have been dedicated in my coronary heart ceaselessly, make me Miss You much more this Festival. Hope this Mahalaya brings in Good Fortune, And everlasting happiness for you!
Netizens wishing Shubha Mahalaya. Check them here.
*Rupamdehi, Jayamdehi, Yashodehi, Diswojahi, Subho Mahalaya!
Some also remembered the Birendra Krishna Bhadra, the voice behind the collection of shlokas and songs called ‘Mahishasura Mardini’