Kolkata: It is a special day when Hindus remember their ancestors and perform a special ritual to express their gratitude towards them. Hindus make offerings at rivers to pray for the peace of their departed family members. This ritual is called ‘tarpan’. It is believed that Durga arrives in the mortal world too. In West Bengal, people welcome Goddess Durga by listening to ‘Mahisasuramardini’ before the sunrise on Mahalaya. In Kolkata, Aakashvani Kolkata broadcasts the ‘Mahisasuramardini’ recited by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. The programme was written and promoted by Bani Kumar.
Mahalaya, a no moon day, is when ancestors are worshipped (Photo: Sourish Guha)According to the Puranas, on Brahma’s orders, the forefathers come neat their family members for 15 days (Photo: Sourish Guha)It is widely believed that the ancestors bless their descendants on earth during this time (Photo: Sourish Guha)Mahalaya is the last day of Pitrupaksha and Devipaksha starts from the next day (Photo: Sourish Guha)it is also believed that ancestors who have left their earthly abode, bestow blessings and gifts on their living descendants during this time (Photo: Sourish Guha)According to the Puranas, on Brahma’s orders, the forefathers come neat their family members for 15 days (Photo: Sourish Guha)The Hindu months of Shravan to Paush, six months, dakshinayana, when the gods are said to be sleeping. After Mahalaya, they wake up (Photo: Sourish Guha)Mahalaya, a no moon day, is when ancestors are worshipped (Photo: Sourish Guha)Devi Durga is awakened on Mahalaya. It is only after Mahalaya that the Durga Puja starts (Photo: Social Media)Pitrupaksha ends on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya (Photo: Sourish Guha)
Sourish is currently pursuing Economics Honours and aims to be an entrepreneur. His passion for photography helps him look at his city, Kolkata, in a different perspective.
