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Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha after end of Pitru Paksha, and the countdown for Bengali's biggest festival Durga Puja starts on that day. In a way, Mahahalaya is the curtain raiser for Durga Puja and scores of Bengalis across the world will wake up early in the wee hours of the morning to listen to the chants of Mahishasur Mardini by Birendra Krishna Bhadra.
Another important ritual of this day is to do tarpan to remember the departed soul of families. So in West Bengal, it is a familiar sight to see scores of people giving Pitri Tarpan early in the morning for salvation of their forefathers on Mahalaya sharaddh. Mahalaya is the occasion observed seven days before Durga Puja. On this day Maa Durga is invited by the people to descend on earth by chanting mantras. This day also marks the start of 'Devi-Paksha' and end of 'Pitru-paksha' which is a 16-lunar day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors and offer to express gratitude to people who have contributed to our life.
However, listening to Mahishasur Mardini on this day is a big part of the Mahalaya experience.
Over two decades after playwright actor and director Birendra Krishna Bhadra passed away, his voice continues to mesmerise All India Radio listeners. Bhadra's inimitable style of reciting the 'Mahisasura Mardini' (The annihilation of the Demon) has been broadcast on AIR since 1931.
Today, even after his demise every Bengali wakes up in the morning at 4 am to tune into a recorded version of his recital which goes for one and a half hour.
What is the story behind 'Mahishasur Mardini'?
'Mahishasur Mardini' also known as 'Annihilation of the Demon' speaks about the cruel nature of the demon king Mahishasura against the gods.
Image Credits: Wikimedia
The gods unable to bear the cruelty pleaded with Lord Vishnu to destroy the demon. Then Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara (Shiva), the Trinity came together in the form of a female figure with ten arms- Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga then rides on a lion to battle with the Mahishasura and slays the 'Asura' king. Once she slays the demon, heaven and earth rejoice at her victory. This mantra marks her victory "Ya devi sarbabhuteshu, shakti rupena sanksthita Namasteswai Namasteswai Namasteswai namo namaha"
Mahalaya Tithi for 2018:
This year however, the tithi for Mahalaya is slightly different. So the familiar sight of people thronging to the Ganges early morning will not be seen. Amavasya is starting around 11 AM, so tarpan can be only done after that.
Mahalaya tarpan starting time: 10.49 AM on Monday
Mahalaya tarpan end time: 9.08AM on Tuesday.
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