Mahalaya 2024: Why Is It Celebrated Just Before Navratri? Know The Significance And Everything

Mahalaya is celebrated just before Navaratri, and this year it falls today on October 2nd. Know the details here:

Mahalaya 2024

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Mahalaya 2024: In Hinduism, the nine days of Navaratri hold great significance as devotees worship the nine different forms of Goddess Durga. The Shardiya Navaratri marks the onset of the festival season. Mahalaya is celebrated just before Navaratri, and this year it falls today on October 2nd.

It is considered the last day of Pitru Paksha, a time dedicated to honouring one's ancestors, also known as Pitru Amavasya. On this day, performing shradh (rituals for the deceased), tarpan (offering water), and pind daan (offering rice balls) for the peace and salvation of departed souls is considered highly auspicious.

Significance Of This Day:

According to religious beliefs, the festival of Mahalaya signifies the arrival of Goddess Durga from Mount Kailash to the earthly realm. It is believed that Goddess Durga, along with Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati, embarks on her journey on her favourite vehicle.

Why Is Mahalaya Celebrated?

On Mahalaya, it is believed that Goddess Durga arrives on Earth. Devotees welcome her with enthusiasm and proper rituals. The word 'Mahalaya is derived from two Sanskrit words, 'maha' meaning great and 'alaya' meaning abode, thus referring to the 'great abode of the goddess.' This day is observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the month of Ashwin every year.

What To Do On This Day:

On Mahalaya morning, devotees perform the rituals of shradh, tarpan, and pind daan to bid farewell to their ancestors. In the evening, a formal worship of Goddess Durga is conducted, accompanied by the recitation of mantras and the devotional song 'Mahishasura Mardini.'

According to tradition, if Goddess Durga does not arrive on Earth during Mahalaya, it would not be possible to worship her various forms during the nine days of Navaratri. Devotees believe that worshiping Goddess Durga during Navaratri alleviates all troubles and brings prosperity and happiness into their lives.