Countdown to Mahalaya 2022: Embrace the Divine Awakening

As the month of September approaches, the air resonates with an unparalleled sense of anticipation and excitement in Kolkata. The countdown to Mahalaya 2022 has begun! This auspicious occasion marks the beginning of the festive season for Bengalis across the globe. It is a time when we embrace our spiritual roots and welcome Maa Durga with open arms. Mahalaya brings about a divine awakening that fills our hearts with joy, devotion, and reverence. So let us delve into the significance of this festival and explore how we can prepare ourselves for its arrival. Read More…

What is Mahalaya?

Mahalaya is a Sanskrit word that translates to “great destruction.” It signifies the end of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period when Hindus pay homage to their deceased ancestors. According to Hindu mythology, during Mahalaya, goddess Durga descends from her heavenly abode and begins her journey towards Earth with her four children – Ganesh, Kartikeya, Saraswati and Lakshmi.

Mahalaya also marks the beginning of Devi-Paksha or the fortnight dedicated to Goddess Durga’s worship. The festival falls on Amavasya (new moon) day in the month of Ashvin according to the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually coincides with September-October as per the Gregorian calendar.

The significance of Mahalaya lies in invoking Maa Durga’s blessings for prosperity and well-being. It is believed that she eradicates all evil forces and restores balance in nature by defeating demon king Mahishasura on Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

Bengalis worldwide observe this occasion by waking up early in the morning and tuning into their radios or televisions to listen to Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s recitation called “Mahishasura Mardini.” The enchanting verses evoke emotions of devotion among Bengalis and set an auspicious tone for the upcoming festivities.

The Significance of Mahalaya

Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion that holds great significance in the Hindu religion. The day marks the beginning of Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.
The significance of Mahalaya lies in its spiritual and emotional values. On this day, Hindus believe that they can connect with their forefathers and seek blessings from them. It’s also believed that during this time, the goddess descends from her heavenly abode to earth to eradicate evil forces and protect her devotees.

Apart from being a religious event, Mahalaya has evolved into a cultural phenomenon over time. People wake up early in the morning and tune into All India Radio or Doordarshan channels to listen to Birendra Krishna Bhadra reciting “Mahishasura Mardini,” an iconic hymn narrating Goddess Durga’s victory over demon king Mahishasura.

The significance of Mahalaya lies in its ability to unite people through faith and devotion towards divinity while also celebrating cultural traditions passed down for generations.

The Preparations for Mahalaya

The preparations for Mahalaya are just as important as the actual ceremonies themselves. It is a time when people take great care to ensure that everything is perfect for welcoming the Goddess Durga into their homes and hearts.

One of the most significant aspects of this preparation involves cleaning and decorating one’s home. This includes everything from sweeping floors and dusting furniture to putting up new curtains or creating intricate rangoli designs on the floor.

Another essential part of preparing for Mahalaya is shopping. People purchase new clothes, jewelry, and other items to wear during the festivities. They also stock up on food, sweets, and gifts to share with loved ones.

In addition to physical preparations, there are also spiritual preparations that need attention. Many people fast or abstain from certain foods in order to purify their minds and bodies before welcoming Durga into their lives.

Preparing for Mahalaya requires dedication, hard work, and a deep sense of devotion towards Goddess Durga. But it is all worth it when one finally gets to experience her divine presence during this auspicious time of year.

The Ceremonies during Mahalaya

During Mahalaya, a lot of ceremonies are observed by the Bengali community in India. One of these is the Tarpan ceremony which involves offering water and prayers to their ancestors. This ritual signifies the belief that during Mahalaya, the veil between the living and dead is thin, allowing for communication with departed loved ones.

Another important ceremony during this time is Anjali where devotees offer flowers and food to goddess Durga as an act of devotion and seeking blessings from her. The sound of dhak (a traditional drum) fills up pandals (temporary structures made for worship) while people dance to its rhythmic beats.

Pujas or prayers are also held throughout Mahalaya – from dawn till dusk. People visit different temples dedicated to goddess Durga and seek her blessings for prosperity, happiness, and success in life.

Mahalaya is a time when Bengalis celebrate their traditions with great enthusiasm through various rituals honoring their ancestors and deities alike.

The Aftermath of Mahalaya

The aftermath of Mahalaya is a time for reflection and introspection. It marks the end of the period of Pitru Paksha, where Hindus pay tribute to their ancestors. The culmination of this period during Mahalaya signifies that it’s now time to move on from past grievances and focus on moving forward with positivity.

Mahalaya inspires people to embrace the divine awakening within themselves and become better individuals. The rituals performed during this period help in purifying one’s soul and attaining inner peace. After all, forgiveness and acceptance are key components of spiritual growth.

In addition, Mahalaya also brings people closer together as they celebrate the victory of good over evil through various festivities. This sense of community helps foster a feeling of unity among all those who participate in these celebrations.

The aftermath of Mahalaya is a reminder that we must continue to work towards self-improvement even after the ceremonies have ended. We must strive towards being kinder individuals who contribute positively towards society while remaining mindful about our actions.

Conclusion

Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion that holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. The countdown to Mahalaya 2022 has already begun and it’s time for us to embrace the divine awakening. This year, let’s come together as a community and celebrate this special event with our loved ones.

Through the ceremonies during Mahalaya, we can connect with our ancestors and seek their blessings for a better future. It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on our own lives and make positive changes.

Let’s not forget about the preparations leading up to Mahalaya – decorating pandals, preparing offerings, and fasting. These activities bring people closer together as they work towards a common goal of celebrating this important festival.

As we approach the day of Mahalaya, let’s remember its true essence – unity, gratitude, and spiritual enlightenment. Let’s take this opportunity to spread love and positivity among ourselves and those around us.

May this upcoming Mahalaya be filled with joyous celebrations, new beginnings, blessings from our ancestors & God! Happy Mahalaya 2022!