Significance of Mahalaya | Fusion - WeRIndia

Today is Mahalaya or Mahalaya Amavasya. It is celebrated on the new moon day of lunar month of Bhadrapada. Mahalaya is mainly celebrated in West Bengal, Karnataka, Odisha and Tripura.

It is a public holiday in some states.

Mahalaya marks the onset of the Durga Puja festival. Devotees believe that Goddess Durga descended to the earth on this day.

People remember their ancestors and offer ‘tarpan’ in memory of them. Tarpan is a religious ritual that is offered on an empty stomach, and those who offer tarpan to their ancestors should have their food on the same place where the ritual has been completed.

There are many legends associated with this ritual. As per one legend, Karna reached heaven after his death where his soul was offered jewels as food.

When asked about this, he was told that he never offered anything to his ancestors during his lifetime, that’s why this situation happened.

Then, Karna was sent back to the earth after asking Indra for a chance to perform the ritual. After offering food and other things to his ancestors for sixteen days, he returned to heaven.

Another story is associated with Lord Rama who worshipped Goddess Durga for Her blessings to kill Ravana.

The story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura is one of the most popular legends for celebrating Navratri. The war between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura started on this day and continued for nine days as per the legend.

Though, Mahalaya is celebrated in several parts of the country, it is very important for Bengalis.

In addition to the remembrance of their forefathers, they welcome their daughters whom they believe as the form of ‘Goddess’ for the festival and forget all their sorrows.

They decorate their home and set up crafted statues of the Devi Durga.

They chant the slokas of Goddess for eternal life and perform pujas.

Image Reference: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bengali-durga-puja-dushera-festival-325061/