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Embrace the spirit of divinity on Mahalaya, which falls on September 25! Mahalaya is a revered occasion in Hinduism that marks the arrival of the Goddess Durga to Earth, a joyful event that unites people in prayer, celebration, and festivity. The tradition of observing Mahalaya dates back to ancient times, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This day, echoed with the chanting of hymns and verses, marks the start of the festival of Durga Puja, a grand occasion filled with love, devotion, and excitement. So prepare to rejoice this delightful occasion and feel one with the divine power!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>400-500 CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origination of Mahalaya</div><div class='timeline-text'>The concept of Mahalaya and Durga Puja finds expression in ancient Sanskrit texts dating back to this era.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formalization of Mahalaya Rituals</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rituals associated with Mahalaya, known as Pitru Paksha, were formalized. These practices involved offering food to the departed souls of ancestors.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Popularization of Durga Puja Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The grand celebration of Durga Puja, which starts with Mahalaya, gained popularity throughout India, especially in West Bengal.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1931</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mahishasura Mardini Broadcast</div><div class='timeline-text'>Radio's program "Mahishasura Mardini", narrating the Goddess Durga's legend, began its inaugural broadcast on this day, becoming a traditional part of Mahalaya.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Objection and Return to Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Attempts were made to change the "Mahishasura Mardini" narration in 1976, but due to popular demand, it was reverted back to the original in 1977.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Immerse in chandi path</h3><p class='facts-text'>Start your day by listening to and reciting ‘Chandi Path’, an ode to Goddess Durga, invoking her divine blessings. Immerse yourself in the holy verses and embrace the spiritual panache this day has to offer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Craft clay models of Durga</h3><p class='facts-text'>Engage family members, especially the young ones, in creative activities like crafting clay models of Goddess Durga. This fosters creativity and also helps children understand and appreciate cultural traditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a Mahalaya potluck</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite relatives, friends, neighbors for a potluck lunch or dinner. Everyone can contribute a favorite dish, preferably vegetarian as is customary during this occasion. Enjoy the feast as you share stories and create memories.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Perform charitable acts</h3><p class='facts-text'>Charity is an integral part of any festive occasion in Hindu tradition. Plan to make generous donations to orphanages, old-age homes, animal shelters or any charitable organization of your choice. This brings joy and fulfillment making the occasion more meaningful.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Decorate your homes and streets</h3><p class='facts-text'>Deck up your home with colorful lights, rangoli, lanterns to celebrate the arrival of goddess Durga. Team up with neighbours to decorate your streets as well, to create a festive environment all around.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a Celebration of Good Over Evil</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Mahalaya marks the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It's an empowering event that unites people in prayer and celebration, encouraging everyone to strive for righteousness and harmony in their lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Encourages Community and Bonding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Mahalaya is a social event that brings together families, neighbors and friends. Activities like crafting clay models of Goddess Durga or hosting a potluck dinner encourage interaction and shared experiences. This not only strengthens bonds but also promotes cultural appreciation and tolerance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Charity and Generosity are Emphasized</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Mahalaya is an occasion when charitable acts are highly encouraged. Donating to orphanages, old-age homes or animal shelters is part of the celebration. This promotion of generosity and kindness helps foster a sense of civic responsibility and empathy within the community, making the occasion truly heartwarming and meaningful.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mahalaya is broadcasted at 4 AM</h3><p class='facts-content'>Traditionally, the "Mahishasur Mardini" program that narrates the slaying of the buffalo demon by Goddess Durga is broadcasted at 4 AM on Mahalaya.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>First day of Pitru Paksha marks Mahalaya</h3><p class='facts-content'>Mahalaya also marks the first day of ‘Pitru Paksha’ or ‘Fortnight of the Ancestors’, where Hindus pay homage to their ancestors by offering food to crows, who are considered the messengers of 'Yama', God of Death.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mahalaya is the end of 'Pitru Paksha' in Bengal</h3><p class='facts-content'>While other parts of India begin ‘Pitru Paksha’ from Mahalaya, in Bengal it ends on this day. It is observed as a day to remember departed souls and ushers in an atmosphere of festivity, marking the beginning of Durga Puja.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Birendra Krishna Bhadra's voice became synonymous with Mahalaya</h3><p class='facts-content'>The "Mahishasur Mardini" broadcast was recited by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. His profound voice in the early hours of Mahalaya has become inseparable parts of Bengali culture and tradition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tarpan on Mahalaya make use of items like Black sesame seeds and Kusha Grass</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the Tarpan (offering to the ancestors) ritual on Mahalaya, Hindus make use of specific ritualistic items such as black sesame seeds to represent the departed souls and Kusha grass as it is believed to be beloved by the ancestors.</p></div></div>
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