Mahalaya 2021: It’s History, significance and date

October, 06: Mahalaya is celebrated at the beginning of the Durga Pooja festival, which is observed in the states of Karnataka, Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswar created Goddess Durga to defeat the demon king Mahishasura. It is the last day of Pitru Paksha aka Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Therefore, this day is marked as the arrival of Goddess Durga to Earth with her ultimate power. This day is celebrated with beautifully designed statues of Goddess Durga. Various rituals are performed, like offering a tarpan, remembering the ancestors, and establishing the idol of Durga Maa in houses and pandals.

History of Mahalaya 2021:

As per Hindu beliefs, Goddess Durga visits her paternal house in Mahalaya. The beliefs believe that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar created Maa Durga to eliminate the powerful demon whom devatas and human beings were unable to kill Mahisasura.

The Devaloka was ruled by Mahisasure and to protect themselves, the devatas and Lord Vishnu worshipped Adi Shakti to diminish the Asura.The fight between Goddess Durga and Mahisasura took place for around 9 days and on the 10th day, Goddess Durga killed the demon and with this started the beginning of Navratri and Durga Puja.

Significance of Mahalaya 2021:

The day is significant as it is the end of Pitru Paksha Shraddha and the beginning of Durga Puja for the Bengali community and some parts of India. Pitru Paksha marks the period to worship the ancestors and offer them prayers.

On this day, the devotees pay homage to their forefathers through a tarpan or shraddha. From this day, the Goddess Durga started her journey from Kailash to the Earth. It is considered that she travelled on a palanquin, boat or elephant, or by horse. Durga puja begins on the seventh day of Mahalaya and ends on the tenth day of Dusshera.

Mahalaya 2021 date:

This year Mahalaya will start from October 06, 2021. People wake up early in the morning to worship Goddess Durga by reciting Chandipath and other devotional mantras.

PM Modi extends his greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Mahalaya, the day which marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities at the end of ‘Pitru Paksha’, or the 16-day lunar day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors (Pitrs) by offering food, money, and other gifts as a sign of reverence. The Prime Minister greeted his fellow countrymen on the auspicious occasion and sought Goddess Durga’s blessings for the “well-being of our planet and the welfare of our citizens.” May everyone be happy as well as healthy in the times to come, Modi wished.

“Shubho Mahalaya! We bow to Maa Durga and seek her blessings for the well-being of our planet and the welfare of our citizens. May everyone be happy as well as healthy in the times to come,” posted Prime Minister Modi from his official Twitter handle on Wednesday.

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