Durga Puja: Mahalaya
MAHALAYA: Homecoming of the Goddess It is that time of the year again...blossom in the air, the fragrance of Sheuli Phool (Night Jasmine Flower) marking the start of Puja season and the sound of the Shankha (conch shell) signifying the arrival of Maa Durga. It is that time when every Bengali's heart gets filled with joy and happiness and they wait for the celebrations to begin. What exactly is Mahalaya? Mahalaya marks the start of the Festival. It marks the end of the Pitra Paksha and the start of the Devi Paksha . It is believed that on this day Maa Durga descended to the earth from heavens, to fight Mahishasura , the demon who terrorized all the gods. Traditions of Mahalaya Mahalaya is celebrated all over India, in Eastern states of India such as West Bengal, Assam, and parts of Tripura, it has a major significance. It begins by waking up early in the morning, offering Sheuli Phool to the goddess, blowing the ...