From the desk of Trijoy Saikia

Pratima Visarjan a water colour by Gaganendranath Tagore Mahalaya is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, marking the beginning of Durga Puja celebrations, especially in the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura. It occurs on the final day of the Pitru Paksha (a 16-day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors) and ushers in the period of Devi Paksha (the fortnight dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga). Mahalaya is typically observed about seven days before the main Durga Puja festivities. The story behind Mahalaya is rooted in the Devi Mahatmya or Chandi Path, a text from the Markandeya Purana that narrates the exploits of Goddess Durga. According to this mythological tale, the gods, led by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, created Durga to defeat the demon king Mahishasura. Mahishasura had gained immense powers and became invincible due to a boon, terrorizing the heavens and Earth. No male god or mortal could defeat him.  In respon...