Mahalaya The First Day Of Durga Puja

Mahalaya The First Day Of Durga Puja: Mahalaya marks the beginning of the ‘Devipaksha’ and the end of ‘Pitri-paksha’ in India. It is the first day of the six day countdown to the Mahasaptami. On the day of Mahalaya, the mantra, “Ya devi sarbabhuteshshu, sakti rupena sanksthita Namasteshwai Namasteshwai Namasteshwai namo namaha” is chanted. The story of the victory of Goddess Durga on Mahisasura by killing him is narrated on this day.

People believe that Goddess Durga visits earth and her devotees for only four days and that Goddess Durga starts her journey to earth on Mahalaya, the first day of Devi Paksha. On Mahalaya, many people go to the river Ganga to offer prayers to their ancestors. This ritual is known as ‘Torpon’.

This year Mahalaya is being celebrated on 12th of October. The artists make the eyes of Goddess Durga on Mahalaya. People believe that Goddess Durga visits their maternal homes on Mahalaya. Mahalaya is celebrated seven days before the Durga Puja.