MAHALAYA

Wish you all a very happy Mahalaya
May Maa Durga Enter your Home and your Life

Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion observed seven days before the Durga Puja, and heralds the advent of Durga, the goddess of supreme power. It's a kind of invocation or invitation to the mother goddess to descend on earth - "Jago Tumi Jago". Goddess Durga visits the earth for only four days but seven days prior to the Pujas, starts the Mahalaya. This is done through the chanting of mantras and singing devotional songs & the day thus marking the beginning of "devipaksha" and the beginning of the count-down of Durga Puja.
The day of Mahalaya is also the ‘day of remembrance’. On this day, people offer 'tarpan' in memory of their deceased forefathers. The banks of River ‘Ganga’ become sea of humanity. Priests are seen busy performing 'Tarpan' for devotees in groups. The rituals start from early dawn and end during the midday. Devotees and worshipers buy clothes and sweets to offer to their forefathers.