Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on Mahalaya, the day preceding Durga Puja festivities. He shared wishes on X.“Shubho Mahalaya! May Maa Durga’s blessings bring strength, joy, and health,” Modi posted, urging people to embrace the sacred days ahead.Mahalaya marks the end of ‘Shradh’ or ‘Pitru Paksha’, a 16-day period to honour ancestors. It also signals the start of Durga Puja.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also wished people on social media. She shared a new Puja song composed by her. Mahalaya begins Devi Paksha, a 10-day celebration leading up to Durga Puja. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over demon king Mahishasura.
In West Bengal, people traditionally listen to ‘Mahishasura Mardini’, a pre-dawn broadcast of hymns invoking the Goddess. Tarpan rituals are performed at rivers to honour ancestors. Preparations for Durga Puja begin in earnest after Mahalaya. Sculptors paint the eyes of Devi Durga in a ritual known as ‘Chokhhu Daan’, marking the festival countdown.
