As per the Hindu calendar, Mahalaya 2021, which marks the last day of Pitru Paksha, is being observed a week before the Durga Puja celebrations. This year, it falls on October 6.
The Amavasya Tithi of Mahalaya began on October 5, 2021, at 07:04 PM, and it will end at 04:34 PM on October 6, 2021. The day marks the end of 16-day long Pitru Paksha, with people remembering their departed souls by offering ‘tarpan’ and the beginning of Devi Paksha. This day is being observed in the states of Karnataka, Odisha, Tripura, and West Bengal.
According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Durga was created on this day by Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswar to defeat the demon king Mahishasura. So, devotees believe that Goddess Durga arrived on Earth from Kailash Parvat with her divine powers on this day. On Mahalaya, the sculptors make only Goddess Durga’s eyes and fill colours in them.
History of Mahalaya 2021:
Hindus believe that the demon king Mahishasura was blessed with a boon that no god or human could kill him. After this, Mahishasura attacked the Devtas, and they lost. after losing the war, Devtas had to leave the Devlok. Then Devtas including Lord Vishnu, worshipped Adi Shakti to save them from the wrath of Mahishasura. It is believed that a divine light came out of the bodies of all the Devtas and took the shape of Goddess Durga.
Maa Durga-Mahishasura war lasted for nine days, and then she killed him on the 10th day. Maa Durga is considered the goddess of power, and Durga Puja is celebrated all over the country with much pomp and enthusiasm.
Significance of Mahalaya 2021
Mahalaya also marks the last day of Pitru Paksh and is also known as Sarva Pitra Amavasya. Many remember their ancestors on this day and offer Tarpan or Shraddha to make their souls happy. On Mahalaya Amavasya morning, ancestors are given farewell. In the evening, Maa Durga comes to Earth to bless people.
Durga Puja will begin this year on October 11 and end on October 15 with Dashmi or Dusshera. Devotees also wake up early on Mahalaya to worship Goddess Durga by reciting Chandipath and listening to Mahishasura Mardini and other devotional mantras.
