Shubho Mahalaya 2024: History, Significance And Why It Is Celebrated
NDTV
Shubho Mahalaya 2024: On this day, devotees pray for the Goddess to bless them and their homes with prosperity, happiness and protection.
Mahalaya 2024: October 2 marks the end of pitru paksha (the fortnight when we pay respects to our ancestors) and is celebrated as the auspicious day of Mahalaya - the start of Debi Paksha (the fortnight devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga). Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities for the Bengali community. The day holds special significance as it commemorates the mythical moment when Goddess Durga was invoked to descend to Earth and vanquish the demon king Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
On this day, devotees pray for the Goddess to bless them and their homes with prosperity, happiness and protection.
Though artisans and devotees start preparing for the symbolic arrival of the goddess at least a month before the Durga Puja, Mahalaya is the day when eyes of her idols are painted.
