Durga Puja Mahalaya Amavasya 2017: Know its history and significance in Pics

Mahalaya Amavasya 2017

The 10-day-long festival, Durga Puja is just around the corner along with Mahalaya 2017. After observing Ganesh Chaturthi and Shradh 2017, people are now gearing up to welcome the Goddess of Power and Prosperity, ‘Maa Durga’. Durga Puja is a famous Hindu festival when Goddess Durga is worshipped also known as Durgotsava. Durgotsava refers to all five days festivity and these five days are observed as Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami. The Goddess Durga arrives on the Earth on the first day of Devi Paksha which starts on the next day of Mahalaya Amavasya during Pitru Paksha. She departs on Durga Visarjan day. The weekdays when she arrives and departs are significant and considered as omen of coming time.

Mahalaya Amavasya

Mahalaya: Mahalaya, marks the beginning of Devi-Paksha and the end of the Pitri-Paksha (the Shradh or the mourning period) is an auspicious day for Bengalis, who celebrate it with much enthusiasm. Mahalaya is observed seven days before the Durga Puja.

Mahalaya Tarpan:

On this day people remember the departed souls of the family members. The ritual of offering “tarpan” in memory of forefathers is commonly practiced on this day. Tarpan is offered on the banks of River Gangathe rituals start from early dawn and end during the midday. It is believed that “tarpan” should be offered empty stomach and one should have food at the same place after completing the ritual.

Mahalaya and Mahabharata

If Mahabharata legend is to be believed than after the death of Karna, he went to the heaven. Karan's soul was offered jewels as food in Heaven. Then, Indra clarified that during Karna's lifetime; he never offered anything to his ancestors. Karna replied, he didn't know about them and wanted a chance to do the due. He came back on earth for sixteen days and he offered foods and other belongings to his ancestors and returned to heaven.

Akal Bodhan

Akal Bodhan means worshipping before time. According to mythology, King Suratha worshipped Devi Durga during the spring. But, Lord Ram worshipped Goddess Durga during the autumn season, as he needed her blessings to kill Ravana. This day signifies the awakening of Devi Durga.

Durga Maa:

Mahalay is related to Maa Durga as it is believed that during this period Goddess Durga killed the asuras. The Bengalis consider this day very important and it is still celebrated in many parts of Bengal. Plays are performed where the Goddess Parvati in the form of Durga where She kills the asuras and brings peace in the world.