Mahalaya

One of the prominent Hindu festivals celebrated in almost all corners of the world today, Mahalaya remains in the limelight just before a celebration of another crucial festival—Durga Puja. Usually this festival is celebrated during the September month when all Hindus gear up for several consecutive festivals with being enthused in the completely festive passion in them. Considered an auspicious occasion during this festive period just seven days before the grand Durga Puja, Mahalaya always seeks the attention of hundreds of thousands of worshippers worldwide. Chanting mantras and singing the devotional songs are commonest scenes during this Hindu festival.

History

It is a must to know the importance of Mahalaya to judge why this festival has been in the notice for it remaining so much important for the Hindus in India and around the world as well. This festival got an impetus in the erstwhile Bengal in the 1930s with several activities associated with it. With the singing of Bengali devotional song the festival took a new turn and became a prominent one in the state and spread to all parts of the country and world. Its importance just before start of Durga Puja fest is well understood. It is celebrated everywhere with the great zeal. Recitation of holy verses during this festival is a common scene everywhere. The festival is to explain the true story of the descent of Durga to earth.

An impeccable feeling develops with the recitation of the seething songs in serene morning time which resonates with the long drawn sound of the sacred conch shell through the attention seeking Chandi Mantra sung during the festival time. It is a truly captivating aspect and an unforgettable element just before the arrival of the Durga Puja festival. This special festival mainly highlights the story of all sorts of cruelties of demon king Mahishasur against the Gods, and so does it explain how the winning of truth over untruth re-impose faith on the Gods.

Worshippers make it the point that they understand the power of Gods while involving in the multiple activities. Mainly a Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara or Shiva, an occasion of Mahalaya remain very much important one to create the powerful female form with the ten arms - Goddess Durga or Mahamaya—better known as the Mother of the Universe. Celebrated just seven days before the Durga Puja festival, Mahalaya embodies primeval source of all power to prepare for a big festive occasion.

Celebrations

There are many activities during Mahalaya celebrations which keep followers well engaged during this important festival. Mantra narrations and paying homage to the ancestors through food offerings are the extensive activities and celebrations during this special occasion. As the Hindu mythology explains it further, the souls of three preceding generations of one's ancestor reside in Pitru–loka which is an exact dominion between the heaven and earth. This festival has greater importance to keep the Gods happy for salvation of the dead and to praise the supreme power.

Importance of Festival

There is no doubt in it that Mahalaya festival has its relevance and importance in the present circumstances like it used to be on the previous occasions as well. The celebration of this festival is an occasion to remember the legendary Gods and to understand their power to the best extent. That is why this festival is celebrated with such extensive zeal. It indeed remains an occasion to welcome the Durga Puja through gearing up with the religious spirit for an ultimate salvation. Most of the rituals involved with these festivals are spiritually pious. Annadaana or giving food to the hungry and several such other local traditions redouble the enjoyment during this occasion.

Special prayers are the offerings meant for the departed souls for which the priests usually guide worshippers to make best use of their time during Mahalaya festival. Followers of Hindu religion find in this festival an occasion to seek the pleasure of the Gods and to ensure that the soul of their ancestor reach to heaven for that they plead constantly. In the nutshell, one should know that Mahalaya is a mark of the formal beginning of upcoming Durga Puja festival for which preparations already begin at least seven days ago—since the start of Mahalaya festival.

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