Mahalaya@Kolkata

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The auspicious occasion of Mahalaya marks the conclusion of the Pitru Paksha and beginning of Debi Paksha, signalling the grand arrival of Ma Durga on earth. 🙏

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While the festival of Navratri starts on this day across North India symbolising the Akalbodhan of the fierce goddess worshipped by Lord Rama to seek blessings before the war against Ravana, Bengal celebrates Durgapuja as the annual vacation when its dear daughter Durga returns to her paternal home along with her children. 👁️

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The rituals on Mahalaya begin strictly at 4 am in early morning, when an ensemble musical recording led by vocalist Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Mahishasuramardini, is played on radio sets. This is followed by the Tarpan ceremony along the ghat of Ganga river, where people submit their offerings to their begone forefathers and seek their blessings. 🔱

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The day of Mahalaya is extremely busy one here at Kumortuli, as the three eyes of the idol are drawn this morning (Chokkhudan) before most idols are loaded into the trucks from the artisan's workstations and delivered to the pandals and houses that host Durgapuja celebrations later that week. 🛕

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Wishing everyone a wonderful Durgapuja, Navratri and festive season ahead!