Mahalaya | 04 Oct 2024

Source: PIB

Recently, the Prime Minister wished the Bengali community on the occasion of Mahalaya that marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities. 

• Mahalaya marks the day when Goddess Durga is believed to descend to Earth and vanquish the demon king Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.  
• On this day, artisans paint the eyes of Goddess Durga, a moment also known as the ‘Chokkhu daan’ (granting the eyes to the Goddess). 
• It marks the end of ‘Pitru Paksha’ and the beginning of ‘Debi Paksha’ (the era of the Goddess Durga). 
  • Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period during which Hindus perform rituals to pay homage to their forefathers. 
• Durga Puja in Kolkata has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. 
  • It is the first festival in Asia to achieve recognition as UNESCO ICH of Humanity. 

Read More: Durga Puja on UNESCO's ICH