Durga Puja is just a few months away and Kolkata is gearing up for the grand festive month. 'Khunti Puja'- a ritual before the commencement of pandal-making has already taken place in a few of the clubs and famous localities. Durga Puja begins with Devi Paksha on the auspicious day of Mahalaya.
On this day, Kolkata stirs to life in the wee hours of dawn to the enchanting voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra's Mahishasuramarddini, resonating from radio sets in every household. As the fragrant scent of kaash flowers wafts through the air, Kolkata prepares itself to welcome the Goddess with unwavering devotion and boundless excitement. ALSO READ: When Is Raksha Bandhan 2024? Know Date, Time, Shubh Muhurat When Is Mahalaya 2024? Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, with Goddess Durga's arrival on Earth, and the end of Pitru Paksha.
According to Drik Panchang, in 2024, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 17 and end on October 2. The last day of Pitru Paksha is Mahalaya Amavasya, which means Mahalaya 2024 will be on Wednesday, October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti which is a national holiday. Significance Of Mahalaya: Mahalaya serves as the final day of Pitru Paksha and is often referred to as Sarva Pitra Amavasya.
On this day, many individuals pay homage to their ancestors by performing Tarpan or Shraddha rituals, intended to bring solace to their departed souls. It is believed that during the morning of Mahalaya, the first rituals to bid farewell to the ancestors are obs.