Kolkata, Oct 10: Thousands of people thronged the banks of the Hooghly River and other water bodies in West Bengal to offer prayers to their ancestors on Mahalaya on Saturday, as the occasion marked the beginning of the countdown to the state’s biggest festival, Durga Puja.
With Mahalaya marking the end of ‘Pitru Paksha’ and the beginning of ‘Devi Paksha’, devotees began arriving at river ghats in Kolkata early in the morning to perform ‘tarpan’, a ritual involving the offering of water and prayers in memory of departed ancestors.
The city woke up to the traditional broadcast of ‘Mahishasura Mardini’, featuring the iconic voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, a ritual that has remained an integral part of Mahalaya celebrations in West Bengal for generations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, West Bengal Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari greeted people on the occasion, invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga and wishing happiness, peace and prosperity for all.
In his message, Shah extended warm greetings on the occasion, describing Goddess Durga as the embodiment of Adi Shakti and a symbol of the triumph of righteousness over evil.
“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 a social media post.
Ravi, in his message, said Shakti was intrinsic to Indian civilisation and that Bengal held a special place in its cultural heritage.
He expressed hope that the state would reclaim its glory and contribute to the country’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
“Ma Durga, the supreme embodiment of Adi Shakti, is the eternal power that vanquishes Adharma, upholds Dharma and affirms the triumph of righteousness,” Ravi said.
“Shakti is intrinsic to Bharatiya civilisation, having emanated from the sacred land of Bengal. Durga Puja is its magnificent celebration. Entire Bharat is celebrating this festival of Shakti,” he said.
“Today, a new Bengal is rising with renewed confidence and aspiration to reclaim its glory and lead the nation in its march towards Viksit Bharat 2047. In this rise, Bengal will be blessed by Ma Durga and Ma Kaali,” he said, further calling for a spirit of togetherness.
Adhikari also extended his greetings, expressing hope that the arrival of Goddess Durga would bring happiness, peace and prosperity to all.
The CM also called for stronger bonds of unity and brotherhood in West Bengal, highlighting the state’s cultural heritage and traditions.
The state government has planned a special cultural programme at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata to mark the occasion.
The main Durga Puja festivities will begin from ‘Maha Shashthi’ on October 16, followed by traditional celebrations across the state, with Kolkata gearing up for its annual extravaganza of elaborate pandals, illuminated streets and cultural events.
Mahalaya is observed on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Ashwin and is associated with prayers for ancestors as well as the invocation of Goddess Durga ahead of the autumn festival. (PTI)
