Echoes of the Goddess: What Mahalaya Means to Every Kolkatan

Image Source: Kalinga TV

As the first light of Mahalaya breaks over Kolkata, the city awakens not just to a new day, but to a timeless rhythm of devotion, nostalgia, and anticipation. Marking the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, Mahalaya is more than a date on the calendar—it’s the spiritual overture to Durga Puja, Bengal’s grandest celebration. For Kolkatans, it’s a day steeped in ritual, emotion, and cultural memory.

Here’s a detailed look at what Mahalaya entails for the people of Kolkata in 2025.

1. The Divine Descent: Myth and Meaning

- Mahalaya is observed on the new moon day of the Ashwin month, known as Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya
- It marks the symbolic descent of Goddess Durga to Earth, beginning her journey from Mount Kailash to her parental home
- According to legend, the goddess was created by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to defeat the demon Mahishasura
- The day is considered sacred for invoking the goddess and seeking her protection from evil

2. Tarpan: Honoring the Ancestors

- Mahalaya is also the culmination of Pitru Paksha, a fortnight dedicated to ancestral remembrance
- On this day, many Kolkatans perform Tarpan—ritual offerings of water and prayers to honor departed souls
- The rituals are typically performed along the banks of the Hooghly River, especially at ghats like Babughat and Bagbazar
- It is believed that these offerings bring peace to ancestors and blessings to the living

3. The Voice That Wakes the City

- At the heart of Mahalaya lies the iconic broadcast of Mahishasuramardini, a radio program featuring the voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra
- Starting at 4 am, this recitation of Sanskrit shlokas and dramatic narration has been a tradition since 1931
- Families gather around radios—some vintage, some digital—to listen together, often in silence and reverence
- For many, the crackling voice through an old radio is more than sound—it’s a portal to childhood and collective memory

4. Rituals and Rhythms of the Day

- Most households observe a vegetarian diet on Mahalaya, abstaining from fish, meat, and eggs
- Breakfast rituals include club kachori, alu sabzi, and jalebi, often from favorite local shops like Sri Hari or Dwarik’s
- Puja bonuses and gifts are distributed to house helps and staff, symbolizing gratitude and the beginning of festivities
- Visits to Kumartuli, the artisan hub where Durga idols are sculpted, are a cherished tradition for many families

5. Kumartuli: The Goddess Takes Shape

- On Mahalaya morning, Kumartuli comes alive with devotees and photographers capturing the first glimpse of the goddess’s eyes being painted
- This ritual, known as Chokkhu Daan, is considered the moment when the idol receives its divine essence
- Families from neighborhoods like Sovabazar and Shyambazar make early morning pilgrimages to witness this sacred act
- The air is filled with the scent of clay, incense, and anticipation

6. A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

- While older generations cling to radios and Doordarshan broadcasts, younger Kolkatans stream Mahishasuramardini on YouTube and apps
- Social media is flooded with nostalgic posts, photos from Kumartuli, and reflections on the day’s significance
- Despite the digital shift, the emotional core of Mahalaya remains untouched—an intergenerational celebration of faith and identity

TL;DR: Mahalaya in Kolkata Is a Symphony of Soul and Soil

From riverside rituals to radio recitations, Mahalaya is a day when Kolkata pauses to remember, reflect, and rejoice. It’s the spiritual heartbeat that signals the arrival of Durga, the goddess of strength and compassion. For Kolkatans, Mahalaya is not just the beginning of Puja—it’s the beginning of belonging.

Sources: The Telegraph India, Times Now News, Curly Tales