When is Mahalaya Amavasya in 2024 | Rituals, Oservance And Significance

When and why is Mahalaya Amavashya observed in India?

By Intimate Viewpoint

Amavasya falls every month but there are some Amavasyas that hold spiritual and religious significance in the Hindu scriptures. Mahalaya Amavasya is one of them. This year, it will fall on the second of October, i.e. Wednesday.

Mahalaya Amavasya is the day when people worship their ancestors. It is the final day of Pitru Paksha. People do some specific rituals for the piece of the souls of their ancestors and give them farewell.

Mahalaya Amavasya also known as 'Pitru Moksha' Amavasya or 'Pitru Amavasya'.

Why is Mahalaya Amavasya important

Mahalaya Amavasya is marked for 'Tharpana' or 'Tarpan' rituals. to seek the blessings of the ancestors for a happy and prosperous life. Apart from this, it is the most important day in West Bengal as it marks the day of the beginning of the Grand Durga Puja. It is also believed that on this day, Goddess Durga descends on Earth. It is also said that Goddess Durga started the battle with the demon King 'Mahishasur'on this particular day which lasted for nine days and ended on the tenth day of Durga Puja which is known as 'Vijayadasami', the day is marked by the victory of good over evil hence the day is celebrated with great joy in West Bengal.

Mahalaya celebration in West Bengal 

Durga Puja is the major festival of West Bengal. Mahalaya is considered to be the initial day of Durga Puja hence it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. An official holiday is observed across the state. Schools, colleges, offices, government workplaces, etc. remain closed on this day. 'Chandi Path' is chanted in the Durga temples and Mandaps. People welcome Goddess Durga by visiting the Durga temples and Mandaps. 'Dhak' and 'Dhol' are played in the Durga Mandaps.