Mahalaya 2025: Honoring Our Ancestors with Love

Discover the significance of Mahalaya 2025, its rituals, and traditions. Join us in celebrating this auspicious occasion with insights and guidance.

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Digital Desk Team, Kolkata

Edited by Saibal Bose

Mahalaya 2025: The Awakening of the Goddess and the Dawn of Festivity

Kolkata, India – The air in West Bengal and across Bengali communities worldwide will hum with a familiar, soul-stirring melody. This occurs in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, September 21, 2025. It heralds the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya.

This day marks the end of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight of remembering ancestors. It also marks the beginning of Devi Paksha. This period is the much-awaited countdown to Durga Puja, the grandest festival of the Bengalis.

Mahalaya is more than just a precursor to the main festivities. It is a day steeped in spiritual significance and cultural nostalgia. It embodies the collective excitement of the homecoming of Goddess Durga. It is a day of dual importance: a time for solemn remembrance and a joyous invocation.

The Significance of Mahalaya: A Confluence of Rituals

The day begins with the somber and sacred ritual of Tarpan. Thousands will gather on the banks of rivers. They will especially congregate at the Ganges to offer prayers and oblations of water to their departed ancestors. They seek their ancestors’ blessings by performing this act. This marks the culmination of Pitru Paksha, a 16-lunar day period when Hindus pay homage to their forefathers.

At the same time, as the last rites for the ancestors are performed, the air fills with electrifying energy. It signals the imminent arrival of the divine mother. According to mythology, Goddess Durga begins her journey on this day. She travels from her celestial abode in Kailash to her paternal home on Earth. She is accompanied by her children: Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Mahalaya 2025: The Voice that Ushers in the Goddess

For generations of Bengalis, Mahalaya is linked to the iconic radio broadcast of “Mahishasura Mardini.” This means “The Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon.” The late Birendra Krishna Bhadra has a powerful and resonant voice. He narrates the epic tale of the creation of Goddess Durga.

This narration includes her triumphant victory over the demon Mahishasur. It has become the festival’s definitive auditory emblem. At 4 AM, households across West Bengal and beyond will tune into this 90-minute musical masterpiece. It is a collage of sacred hymns, devotional songs, and classical music. This music invokes the goddess and sets the festive mood.

The narrative of “Mahishasura Mardini” recounts the story of the tyrannical demon Mahishasur. He received a boon of invincibility from Lord Brahma. This made him un-defeatable by any man or god. His reign of terror spread across the heavens and the earth.

The gods united their divine energies to create Goddess Durga. She is a powerful and multifaceted deity armed with the weapons of all the gods. The epic battle that ensued, culminating in Durga’s victory, symbolizes the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Mahalaya 2025: Celebrations and Preparations

The early hours of Mahalaya are dedicated to spiritual observances. The rest of the day is filled with a flurry of activity. Final preparations for Durga Puja commence during this time. Artisans in Kumortuli, the potters’ quarter of Kolkata, often carry out the Chokkhu Daan. This is the ritualistic painting of the eyes on the idols of Goddess Durga. It is a symbolic act of infusing life into the clay figures.

Homes are cleaned and decorated, and the last-minute shopping for new clothes and festive delicacies begins in earnest. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and joy, as the countdown to the five days of puja officially begins.

Mahalaya 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the date of Mahalaya in 2025?
Mahalaya will be observed on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

2. What is the significance of Mahalaya?
Mahalaya holds a dual significance. It marks the end of Pitru Paksha, the period of mourning and remembrance of ancestors. It also marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, the fortnight of the goddess. This period culminates in Durga Puja. It is the day Goddess Durga is believed to begin her journey to Earth.

3. What is Tarpan?
Tarpan is a ritual performed by Hindus, especially on Mahalaya. They offer water and prayers to their deceased ancestors. This seeks their blessings and ensures their peaceful journey in the afterlife.

4. What is “Mahishasura Mardini”?
“Mahishasura Mardini” is a famous All India Radio programme. It is a 90-minute audio masterpiece. It narrates the story of Goddess Durga’s creation and her victory over the demon Mahishasur. For Bengalis, listening to this broadcast in the pre-dawn hours of Mahalaya is a cherished tradition.

5. Is Mahalaya a holiday?
It is not always a public holiday across India. However, it is a significant day of observance. This is especially true in West Bengal, where the festive spirit of Durga Puja begins.

6. Is Mahalaya an auspicious day?
There is a debate on this. It involves rituals for the departed, which are somber. However, it also marks the beginning of the joyous Devi Paksha. It signals the countdown to Durga Puja. For most, the overwhelming feeling on Mahalaya is one of auspiciousness and festive anticipation.

Tags: Mahalaya 2025, Durga Puja, Devi Paksha, Pitru Paksha, Mahishasura Mardini, Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Tarpan, West Bengal, Kolkata, Hindu Festival, Indian Festival