Mahalaya 2024: This year, Mahalaya is on October 2. This day marks the beginning the of Durga Puja festival. Mahalaya is celebrated with the airing of the "Mahishasurmardini" recital. It's a devotional recital which narrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasur, a demon in Hindu mythology.
With Durga Puja drawing near, a beloved tradition is the recital of Mahishasura Mardini which is an ancient Sanskrit hymn honouring the divine strength of Goddess Durga and her triumph over the demon Mahishasura. The phrase "Mahishasura Mardini" directly translates to "the destroyer of the demon Mahishasura." This powerful composition celebrates the goddess's victory, symbolising the eternal battle of good conquering evil. It holds a deep spiritual significance for devotees and sets the tone for the grandeur of Durga Puja celebrations.
This tradition of listening to the recital has been cherished especially in Bengal for decades. The recital features Birendra Krishna Bhadra's voice and is broadcast on All India Radio and various other TV channels early in the morning. It signifies the invocation of Goddess Durga, setting the spiritual and festive mood for the grand Durga Puja celebrations.
When And Where To Listen To Mahishasurmardini
- AIR - The recital will be aired on AIR at 4 AM on Mahalaya
- Youtube - The recital will also be available on the Youtube channel of All India Radio
All India Radio (AIR) will broadcast the Mahishasuramardini program at dawn on October 2, marking the start of Mahalaya. This 90-minute show combines the recitation of Chaṇḍipāaṭh with Bengali devotional songs, classical music, and acoustic dramatization. A long-standing tradition for over nine decades, it is available in both Bengali and Hindi.
The broadcast beautifully weaves together mythological storytelling and soul-stirring music, setting the perfect tone for the Durga Puja season. This iconic program holds a special place in the hearts of listeners, symbolizing the invocation of Goddess Durga and the celebration of good over evil.