Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister J.P. Nadda on Saturday extended greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya, wishing happiness, peace, good health and prosperity for all.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his wishes through a post on X, expressing hope that the blessings of Maa Durga would fill society with happiness, compassion and hope.
“Shubho Mahalaya! We seek the blessings of Maa Durga. May the blessings fill our society with happiness, compassion and hope. May there be peace and prosperity all around,” the Prime Minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings, wishing joy, well-being and prosperity to people on the sacred occasion.
“Shubho Mahalaya! Warm greetings to all on the sacred occasion of Mahalaya. May the blessings of Maa Durga fill every life with boundless joy, well-being and prosperity,” Shah said in his message.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda also conveyed his greetings, praying for good health, happiness and prosperity.
“My heartfelt greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya. May Maa Durga’s blessings always be with us, bringing joy, good health, and prosperity into our lives. Shubho Mahalaya,” Nadda said.
Mahalaya marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, the 16-day period dedicated to paying homage to ancestors, and the beginning of Devi Paksha, which heralds the arrival of the festive season associated with Goddess Durga. The occasion holds special significance for Bengali communities, as it marks the beginning of the countdown to Durga Puja.
According to Hindu mythology, Mahalaya is associated with the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Tradition holds that the goddess emerged as a divine force after the gods sought the intervention of Adi Shakti to defeat the demon.
The occasion is also associated with the ritual of ‘Chokkhu Daan’, during which artists paint the eyes of Goddess Durga’s idols, symbolically completing the idols ahead of the festivities.
Devotees, particularly in West Bengal, traditionally rise early on Mahalaya to perform Tarpan along riverbanks, including the Ganga, offering water and prayers in remembrance of their ancestors. Many families also offer food to Brahmins and distribute meals among the needy.
With Mahalaya, preparations for Durga Puja gather momentum, ushering in a period of religious observances, cultural festivities and community celebrations, particularly across West Bengal.
