SUBHO MAHALAYA-THE BEGINNING OF DEVI PAKSHA

Generally, Bengalis observe this day as they listen at dawn the charming voice of Late Birendra Krishna Bhadra. The Bengalis used to hear a brief and fascinating narration of holy verses along with some melodious songs.

It is a prayer of people to the almighty goddess Durga to start from Kailash and come in the earth, her parental home with children-Lakshmi, Ganesh, Saraswati and Kartick. and kill all the evils.

But Mahalaya is not only this, it is much more.

In the first place, this day marks the beginning of all important Devi-Paksha. On the other hand, it marks the ending of the Pitri-Paksha. Hindus use to consider it as a mourning period. Most importantly, it is a sixteen days lunar period. During this time, the Hindus consider these days as inauspicious.

They accomplish the Tarpan, a ritual believe. Men go to Ganga. Here, they offer their prayers for the three deceased forefathers along with pind-daan. They offer food and water to them.

It is generally believed that three preceding ancestors are residing in Yamalok. The first generation only shifts to heaven automatically, when anybody from next-generation dies.

The Hindus do Tarpan or Shraddha with the belief that the soul of the ancestor reach heaven.

It is a general belief that Mahalaya marks the start of the week-long journey of Maa Durga from mount Kailash. She chooses different vehicles every-year. It may be a horse or an elephant, or a boat, or a palanquin.

Mahalaya is a very holy day to the Bengalis. It is celebrated only seven days prior to Durga Puja.  This is the greatest festival of the Bengalis. They seem to be in a festive mood and are enjoying pretty much.

Mahalaya marks the beginning of the holy Devi Paksha. The Bengalis generally wake up with the timeless chants, luring voice, soul-inspiring tunes of ‘Mahishasur Mardini’. It means annihilation of notorious demon Mahisasur. In 1932, it was first broadcasted live in All India Radio. Since then, it has been playing every year in this auspicious morning with the exception of 1977.

However, it is an everlasting montage of holy songs along with unique mingle classical music. It recites the sacred verses from Durga Saptashati or Sri Chandi.  Late Birendra Krishna Bhadra in his melancholy voice describes the invocation of Goddess Durga. ‘Mahisasur Mardini’ Goddess Durga was created by the Gods to defeat the notorious all-powerful evil of Mahisasura.

As a matter of fact, today (28^th September 2019) is Mahalaya. Today is the end of Pitri or Pitru Paksha which started on 13^th September 2019. It marks the beginning of holy Debi Paksha.

I hope that you all have a magnificent beginning of the day with the glorious and chanting melodies of Late Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s “Mahisasur Mardini”.

DURGA PUJA, the greatest Hindu festival is knocking the door. Just Enjoy this puja with traditional and unique Bengali foods, new clothes, visit different pandals especially at night with the enchanting decorations and lighting, just amazing.

KOLKATA’s DURGA PUJA is the best from all corners. If you can manage your time , then must see the following puja pandals.

SOUTH KOLKATA A FEW FAMOUS PUJA PANDALS WHICH YOU MUST SEE.

1)Naktala Udayan Sangha-Near Basdroni Tallygunj

2)Ajaya  Sanghati and 41 Pally-In Haridevpur , Tallygunj.

3)Suruchi Sangha and Chetla Agrani Sangha-New Alipur

4)Badam Tala Asar Sangha and 66 Pally-Rasbihari Avenue Junction near Metro Station

5)75 Pally, Akal Bodhan, Matri Sangha, Sanghashree-Bhawanipur

6)Deshapriya Park, Tridhara Sammilani, Ballygunj Cultural Association-Deshapriya Park

7)Hindustan Park, Ekdalia Evergreen-Gariahat More

8)Bose Pukur Sitala Sangha and RajDanga Nabauday Sangha-kasba

9)Salimpur Pally, Jodhpur Park and 95 Pally-In Jodhpur Park Area

10)Mudiali –Mudiali Club

NORTH KOLKATA SOME FAMOUS PUJA PANDALS

1)Bag Bazar Sarbojonin Sangha-BagBazar.It is famous for traditional’ Daker Saaj’ and Protimas.

2)Kumartuli Park and Aharitola Sarbojonin

3)Kashi Bose Lane, Hatibagan Sarbojonin, Nalin Sarkar Street-Hatibagan

4)Talapark Prataya, Talapark sarbojonin-Talapark

5)Chalta Bagan-Maniktala More

6)Santosh Mitra Square-Sealdaha

7)Mitali Sangha, Kankurur gachi Balak Sangha-Kakurgachi

8)Talengha Bagan-Muchi Bazar

9)Sribhumi Sporting Club-Sreebhumi

10)Netaji Sporting Club, Bharat Chakra-DumDum Park

There are so many beautiful pandals in Salt Lake, Behala, and Khidirpur.Moreover, the district pandals of West Bengal are also have their own splendour. After Kolkata the two 24 Parganas (North and South) and Siliguri is also competing with Kolkata.

There are more than 1000 pujas in Kolkata only. Added to this are the pujas of the’ Abasans’(Housing Apartments).

Start enjoy from today with your near and dear ones and make this puja memorable forever.

ONLY ADDA, KHANA(FOOD) AND MASTI(ENJOYMENT)