The auspicious day of mahalaya is celebrated a week before The “Maa Durga Puja” celebrations begin. This year it is celebrated on oct 2, 2024. The mahalaya celebration marks the beginning of “Debi Paksha” (The Era Of The Divine Mother), Symbolizing The Beginning Of Maa Durga’s Descent On earth After Having Vanquished the evil demon mahishasura. The auspicious day of mahalaya reminds all Of Maa Durga’s Victory, Which Is Symbolic of how By The Blessings Of Maa Durga, knowledge and wisdom always triumph over ignorance and ego.
During mahalaya, elders of the family pay tributes to their ancestors by performing “tarpan” – a ritual in which water is offered to the ancestors’ souls on the Banks Of The Holy River “Ganga”. Devotees also start the day by listening to the recitation Of “Maa mahishasuraMardini Strotam” in worship Of The Divine Mother.