Mahalaya 2024: In Hindu religion, worship of nine different forms of Maa Durga during the 9 days of Navratri has great importance. Festivals begin from Shardiya Navratri. Mahalaya is celebrated before Navratri and Navratri starts from the next day. This year Mahalaya is on 02 October. Mahalaya festival marks the beginning of major fasts and festivals and this day is considered to be the last day of Pitru Paksha. This day is known as Pitru Amavasya. Also, on the day of Pitru Amavasya, it is considered very auspicious to perform Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan for all the ancestors to attain peace and salvation. It is a religious belief that Goddess Bhagwati starts her journey from Mount Kailash from the festival of Mahalaya. It is believed that Mother Durga comes to earth riding on her favorite vehicle along with Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Let us know why Mahalaya festival is celebrated?
According to religious beliefs, Maa Durga comes to earth on the day of Mahalaya. On this day, Goddess Bhagwati is welcomed grandly with enthusiasm and worship with rituals. Mahalaya is made up of two Sanskrit words Maha and Aalaya. Which means the great abode of the Goddess. The arrival of the Goddess on earth is called Mahalaya. Mahalaya is celebrated every year on the new moon date of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. On the day of Mahalaya, the ancestors are bid farewell with reverence by performing Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan in the morning and Goddess Bhagwati is duly worshiped in the evening. Mantras of the Goddess and the hymn ‘Mahishasur Mardini’ are recited. It is believed that if Goddess Durga does not come to earth on Mahalaya, then it is not possible to worship different forms of Goddess Durga during the 9 days of Navratri. Worship of Goddess Durga during Navratri removes all troubles and brings happiness, prosperity and prosperity in life.
