Mahalaya Amavasya is an auspicious occasion for the people of West Bengal as this day marks the beginning of the Devipaksha and the end of Pitra-Paksha. This day is observed with great joy as it marks the beginning of the Durga Puja for bengalis. The festival of Durga Puja is the most awaited one among the Bengalis as they get to enjoy, eat and roam around along too seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. Durga Puja is also observed with fast and puja of different lord which carries with itself great significance.
The celebration of Mahalaya starts with the Tarpan which is providing water to the ancestors and then the famous sloka of Mahisasura Mardini is recited with the stories of how Durga Maa mangled the demon Mahisasura included in it. It is believed that Goddess Durga was brought to existence by different gods like Vishnu, Brahma and Mahesh to kill all the demons on the earth. It is believed that Goddess Durga was bestowed with various weapons attached with 10 hands that she borrowed from her creators which she used in her fight with Mahishasura.
On this auspicious occasion of Mahalaya, Bengalis listen to the famous sloka which reads, ”Jaya Jaya He Mahishaasuramardhini Ramyakapardini Shailasute” which brings a peace and a different kind of vibration to the body. The famous singer Birendra Krishna Bhadra sang this sloka and is belived to be one of the best and no other person managed bring the same effect that he brought in the song. Lets hear his appreciable voice:
With the starting of the auspicious and most awaited festival, we wish all the Bengalis a very Happy Durga Puja!!
