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| 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 response to the gods' pleas, Durga was born, a powerful form of Shakti (divine feminine energy), combining the powers of all the gods. Armed with their divine weapons and mounted on a lion, she waged a fierce battle against Mahishasura. After days of intense combat, Durga slew Mahishasura, restoring peace and balance to the world.
Mahalaya is the day when this powerful divine energy of Durga is invoked, signifying the beginning of her victory march against Mahishasura and other evildoers.
You can read about the story https://acceleratetofly.blogspot.com/2021/12/Mahishasura.html
Devotees listen to the recitation of Mahishasura Mardini, a devotional song and chant based on this battle, early in the morning on Mahalaya. This has become a cultural and spiritual hallmark of the day. On Mahalaya, devotees invoke Goddess Durga to descend to Earth and protect humanity from evil. This marks the onset of her journey from Mount Kailash, her divine abode, to her maternal home on Earth.
In essence, Mahalaya serves as both a time to remember and honour ancestors and a spiritual preparation for the Durga Puja festival, celebrating the victory of good over evil.