PM Modi and Mamata Banerjee Celebrate Mahalaya with Festive Greetings

On September 24, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended heartfelt greetings to the public in celebration of Mahalaya, a significant occasion marking the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities. Both leaders conveyed their hopes for strength, joy, and health as the sacred days of worship approach.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy, and wonderful health.” His message emphasizes the spiritual significance of this time, calling upon the blessings of the goddess.

Significance of Mahalaya and Its Traditions

Mahalaya serves as the conclusion of ‘Shradh’ or ‘Pitru Paksha,’ a 16-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors in Hindu culture. It also marks the onset of the Durga Puja celebrations, which are especially prominent in West Bengal. Chief Minister Banerjee also took to social media, sharing a new Puja song she composed and expressing her wishes for the occasion. She wrote, “Awake Durga, awake, bearer of ten weapons.”

The celebration of Mahalaya signals the arrival of Goddess Durga to Earth, where she is believed to defeat the demon king Mahishasura. This day is not only a time of spiritual reflection but also a moment of cultural significance, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

In West Bengal, Mahalaya is traditionally marked by the pre-dawn broadcast of ‘Mahishasura Mardini,’ a program featuring hymns and chants that invoke the goddess. For many, listening to this broadcast is a cherished ritual. Thousands of residents participate in the ‘tarpan’ ceremony, which involves offering water to their ancestors, marking the commencement of the festive season leading to Durga Puja.

Community Celebrations and Rituals

The day unfolded with people gathering on the banks of the Hooghly River and other water bodies across West Bengal to pay their respects to their ancestors. This ceremony is deeply embedded in local traditions, encapsulating the essence of community and familial bonds during this auspicious time.

Following Mahalaya, preparations for Durga Puja intensify, particularly in West Bengal. The countdown to the festival officially begins, with sculptors conducting a ritual known as ‘Chokhhu Daan,’ where they paint the eyes of the idol of Devi Durga, symbolizing her awakening. This act is a pivotal moment in the lead-up to Durga Puja, as it signifies the goddess’s arrival and the start of the festivities that will follow.

As the region gears up for the celebrations, the messages from both Modi and Banerjee resonate deeply, inspiring a sense of unity and hope among the people as they prepare to honor their traditions and cultural heritage.