Mahalaya 2024 Date: The sacred occasion of Mahalaya heralds the commencement of the revered Durga Puja festival, marking the culmination of Shradh or Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period of ancestral tribute. This significant event holds profound religious and spiritual significance, symbolising the triumph of truth and courage over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Mahalaya signifies Goddess Durga’s journey from Mount Kailash, her celestial abode with Lord Shiva to her earthly maternal home. Occurring a week prior to Durga Puja celebrations, Mahalaya inaugurates the festive fervour, ushering in an era of joy and devotion. This auspicious day embodies the eternal victory of good over evil, revitalising faith and spiritual fervour among devotees.
Check out the correct date, significance and history of this sacred festival below:
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Mahalaya 2024 Date: When Is Mahalaya Amavasya?
According to the Panchang, Mahalaya or Mahalaya Amavaya will take place on 2nd October 2024. The Amavasya Tithi will begin at 09:39 PM on 1st October 2024 and will end at 12:18 AM on 2nd October 2024.
Mahalaya 2024 Date: Why Mahalaya Amavasya Is Celebrated?
Mahalaya Amavasya is a sacred Hindu festival marking the beginning of Durga Puja celebrations. Observed on the new moon day (Amavasya) after Pitru Paksha, it honours the goddess Durga’s descent from Mount Kailash to her maternal home on Earth. This auspicious day signifies the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Mahalaya Amavasya also pays tribute to ancestors, seeking their blessings. Devotees perform rituals, offer prayers, and recite chants, invoking Durga’s protection and guidance. The festival embodies the renewal of life, hope, and spiritual growth, ushering in a week-long celebration of faith, devotion, and cultural fervour, culminating in Durga Puja.
Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the onset of Durga Puja. (Image Source: Canva)
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Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Significance And History Of Mahalaya Amavasya
As per the Hindu Panchang, Mahalaya commences a week before Durga Puja celebrations. This auspicious day is marked by various customs and rituals. Devotees perform ‘tarpan’, offering prayers to their ancestors’ departed souls, and provide ‘bhog’ to Brahmins, as well as food and essentials to those in need. Many also listen to the revered Mahishasuramardini composition, a traditional invocation of Goddess Durga.
On Mahalaya, Bengali households rise before dawn, embracing the day’s spiritual significance. In many Hindu homes, the pitru tarpan ritual is observed, where families gather at the River Ganga’s banks to pay homage to their ancestors through pind-daan offerings. This poignant ceremony honours the deceased, seeking their blessings and peace. As the day unfolds, devotees immerse themselves in prayer, reflection, and charitable acts, setting the tone for the forthcoming Durga Puja festivities. Through these timeless traditions, Mahalaya serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal bond between generations and the triumph of good over evil.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)
