Cultural Significance of Mahalaya - Debir Agomon

Why Mahalaya?

The Durga Puja festival officially begins with Mahalaya. On this day, followers worship Maa Durga. The last day of Pitru Paksha, the 16-day lunar period during which Hindus pay respect to their ancestors, marks Mahalaya, the start of Debi Paksha.

The family's elders honour their ancestors on this day by performing Tarpan, in which they wash the ancestors' souls in water on the banks of the Ganges/ any other river available in the city. On top of that, during Mahalaya, individuals may be seen listening to an early morning performance by Mahishasura Mardini.

                                  Credit: Zee news. Image showing Tarpan
                                

Is Mahalaya a joyful event?

Mahalaya is a joyful event. Despite the fact that the day is tied to a variety of myths and/or legends, most people hold the belief that on this day, Goddess Durga formally sets off for her journey from Mount Kailash, where she lives with her husband Lord Shiva, to her maternal home on Earth.

What does the Sanskrit word Mahalaya mean?

Mahalaya is a Sanskrit term derived from the words "maha" (great) and "alaya" (abode). This house isn't like other houses.

Who conceived on Air Mahalaya?

Mahalaya had its radio debut in Akashvani, Calcutta, in 1931. Pankaj Kumar Mallik, Premankur Aatorthi, Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Nripendra Krishna Mukhopadhyay, and Raichand Boral organised the event.