Mahalaya is the first day of Durga Puja. On this day, Goddess Durga is believed to begin her journey from Mount Kailash to her earthly home. It is also the last day of Pitru Paksha, when families remember and honor their ancestors with prayers and offerings. The day carries deep spiritual significance, setting the beginning of the festive season, and is seen as a time to invite blessings and positive energy.
Dharmic Practices on Mahalaya
- People perform ancestral rites, such as Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan, to seek blessings and peace for departed souls.
- Devotees listen to the sacred Mahishasura Mardini recitation, which invokes courage and devotion.
- Many take a holy bath and light lamps at home to invite positivity.
- People feed Brahmins and crows as acts of charity and gratitude.
What to Follow
- Offer prayers and perform small acts of charity.
- Keep the home clean and filled with light.
- Begin the day with devotion and mindfulness.
What to Avoid
- Do not start new ventures, work, or projects on Mahalaya.
- Avoid eating non-vegetarian food.
- Do not cut hair, argue, sleep during the day, or waste food.
Mahalaya is a reminder of the balance between duty to ancestors and devotion to the goddess, between letting go of the old and welcoming the new.
Follow these practices on Mahalaya to invite harmony, strength, and blessings into your life.
Feature Image Credit: Image created via Gemini AI.