Key Points

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy and wonderful health."

Mahalaya is celebrated at the end of the month of Shradh (as per the Hindu lunar calendar) or Pitru Paksha, 16 days during which Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. Amavasya falls every month, but the Purattasi Mahalaya Ammavasai holds a special significance for the devotees.

On the occasion, a large number of devotees gathered in West Bengal's Kolkata for a holy dip in the Ganga. They offered prayers to their forefathers and for departed family members on this Amavasya, marking the solemn ritual with devotion.

Purattasi is said to be an important day for the Hindus to remember, offer prayers and get blessings from their ancestors.

The occasion is associated with different practices and rituals. Many people perform 'tarpan' on this day to offer prayers to the departed souls of their ancestors and give 'bhog' to the Brahmins, along with food and materials to the needy.

Mahalaya signifies the mythical departure of the goddess from the Himalayas to her paternal home. It is from this day that the Durga Puja fever begins. Durga Puja festivities peak on the seventh day after Mahalaya and end on the tenth day of Dashami or Dussehra.

It is a deeply-held belief that with fast and Pithur Karma Puja performed on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya, ancestors and the departed souls in a family will find peace, and they will be happy and wish their family a good life.

- ANI