New Delhi: Durga Puja 2023 is just some days away and Bengalis world wide are brimming with pleasure. This festive occasion is characterised by immense enthusiasm and anticipation, with preparations commencing months upfront. The initiation of this grand pageant happens throughout Devi Paksha on the auspicious day of Mahalaya. On this present day, Kolkata stirs to life within the wee hours of morning to the enchanting voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Mahishasuramarddini, resonating from radio units in each family. Because the aromatic scent of kaash flowers wafts by way of the air, Kolkata prepares itself to welcome the Goddess with unwavering devotion and boundless pleasure.
This yr, Mahalaya falls on October 14, and to commemorate this big day you may start your day by listening to the chants of Mahishasuramarddini.
About Mahishasuramardini:
Mahishasuramardini is an hour-long audio composition that weaves collectively Bengali devotional songs, classical music, and the sacred recitation of Chandipaath. This program is concurrently aired in Hindi, making it accessible to a various, pan-Indian viewers. All India Radio has maintained the ritual of broadcasting this program yearly, simply earlier than the break of daybreak at 4:00 AM. Whereas this system initially debuted as a dwell efficiency, it transitioned to a pre-recorded format in 1966. Remarkably, even after years since its inception, this system nonetheless stays widespread with Bengalis eagerly ready to take heed to it yearly.
Rituals Of Mahalaya 2023:
The preliminary step entails rising early to finish the morning rituals. The individual observing this custom, usually the eldest male member of the household, dons yellow apparel and extends an invite to a Brahmin to go to their residence. The observer then attends to the Brahmin’s consolation by washing their ft and offering a clear resting place, with sesame seeds scattered on the ground. There are particular seating preparations: a Matru Paksha Brahmin faces north, whereas a Deva Paksha Brahmin faces east.
Following these preparations, homage is paid to the ancestors, or pitrs, by way of choices of Diya, incense (dhoop), flowers, barley, and water, with a view to appeasing them. Moreover, the observer adorns a sacred thread over their proper shoulder.
After efficiently honouring and worshipping the forefathers, the family prepares a particular meal, which is then offered to the Brahmin. Mantras are recited and chanted to invoke blessings from the ancestors, and members of the family search forgiveness and pray for the peace of their departed family members.
Significance Of Mahalaya 2023:
Mahalaya serves as the ultimate day of Pitru Paksha and is also known as Sarva Pitra Amavasya. On this present day, many people pay homage to their ancestors by performing Tarpan or Shraddha rituals, supposed to deliver solace to their departed souls. It’s believed that through the morning of Mahalaya, the primary rituals to bid farewell to the ancestors are noticed, and within the night, Goddess Durga descends to the earthly realm, the place she stays to bestow her blessings upon the individuals.
This yr, Durga Puja begins from October 20 with Mahashahthi and Culminates on October 24 with Vijaya Dashami.