Mahalaya is one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar. It marks the beginning of the festive season. It is believed that on this day, the goddess Durga begins her journey on earth, marking the countdown to Durga Puja. This day is observed with great reverence, as devotees perform various rituals to seek the blessings of the Goddess. With Mahalaya, the excitement and anticipation for Durga Puja reach new heights. From time to significance, here’s everything about Mahalaya 2025 that you must know.
What To Know About Mahalaya 2025
Mahalaya or Mahalaya Amavasya is considered a significant day, as during this time, many people pay homage to their ancestors by offering them food and water and performing certain rituals.
On this day, the Bengali community performs the rituals of Choku daan and also sings and chants specific mantras to evoke the goddess.
Mahalaya 2025 Date & Time
In 2025, Mahalaya or Mahalaya amavasya is falling on September 21. The Amavasya Tithi (New Moon day) begins at approximately 1:02 am IST on September 21. It ends at about 1:42 am on September 22.
The Ritual of Choku Daan
During Mahalaya amavasya, the ritual of chokkhu daan also takes place. “Chokkhu Daan,” means “offering of eyes.” It is a ritual where skilled artisans or the senior-most member of the sculptor community draw the eyes of Durga’s idols during the early hours of the day. This ritual signifies the goddess coming to life, being able to see her devotees, and blessing them.
The Ritual Of Reciting Hymns
Mahalaya is said to be the symbolic call of Goddess Durga’s arrival on earth. On this day, Bengalis wake up at 4 am to listen to or recite the “Mahishasur Mardini”.
It is a devotional narration in Sanskrit, which is a part of the Chandipath scripture. This narration talks about the slaying of the demon Mahisasura by Goddess Durga in detail. “Mahisasur Mardini” translates to the slayer of the demon Mahisasur.
The traditional recitation of the Mahishasura Mardini is typically broadcast by All India Radio (AIR) and available on their YouTube channel. This iconic, devotional audio program features the famous narration by Birendra Krishna Bhadra.
Significance of Mahalaya 2025
Mahalaya is celebrated about seven days before the Durga Puja festivities.
According to one of the stories in mythology, it is said that Mahalaya is the day when goddess Durga leaves her abode in Kailash and starts her journey to earth.
Another story states that on this day, the goddess takes all her four children (Ganesh, Kartikeya, Laxmi, and Saraswati) to earth.
It is believed that once Lord Brahma gave a boon to the demon king Mahaisasura, he began wreaking havoc in heaven and on earth. All the gods combined their divine powers and created Goddess Durga (who hence is known as the Goddess of power). She, in a fierce battle of nine days and nights, defeated the demon. This marks the victory of good over evil, and Mahalaya is said to be the beginning of this. As on this day, the powers of Maa Durga are evoked.
Summing Up
Experience the transformative power of Mahalaya and let it guide you towards a path of righteousness and prosperity. Get ready to immerse yourself in the divine energy of Maa Durga as Mahalaya 2025 begins the countdown to Durga Puja.
