Mahalaya
 
The day of the Mahalaya bores immense significance. The day of Mahalaya is the 
beginning of "Debipoksha", the beginning of the countdown to the main event, 
the Durga Puja. It is already "sharat-kaal" and the air is filled with the 
smell of the Puja. Wherever we go, we get a feeling that puja is near. The 
festive spirit start reaching high pitch from the day of Mahalaya.

Mythologically, it is said that the "debotas" or the gods sleep for six months 
and remain awake for the rest of the year. The actual period of this Durga 
Puja is Basant Kaal or the spring season. Hence, Durga Puja is called Basanti 
Puja. Durga Puja at this time of the year is called "Akal-Bodhan". This is not 
the right time for the Puja since the gods remain asleep at this time of the 
year. The time of the gods remaining awake is called Uttarayan and their 
sleeping time is referred to as the period of Dakshinayan. Pujas are not 
suppose to taken place during the latter period. Due to certain circumstances, 
Durga Puja was held during the period of Dakshinayan. Hence, the name 
"Akal-Bodhan". On the day of Mahalaya, it is the beginning of Debipoksha, the 
day when the debotas or gods would wake up to prepare themselves for the Puja.

This day of Mahalaya also marks the end of Pitri-Poksha. The time when 
Pitri-Poksha ends and Devi-Poksha begins is the time of offering Tarpan - a 
ritual observed by all living members of a family. Through Tarpan, the living 
feed deceased forefathers. Tarpan has to take place at the sandhikhan - the 
time when Pitri-poksha comes to an end and debi-poksha begins. On the early 
morning of Mahalaya, one will find lakhs of people thronging the banks of 
River Ganges, the holy river of all Hindus, offering water and other things to 
their deceased forefathers. The offering can only be made by persons whose 
immediate ancestor i.e father, is dead. No person whose father is alive is 
allowed Tarpan. Tarpan has to be made in empty stomach. The person undertaking 
the rite shall have to be in his traditional attire i.e dhoti. After the 
Tarpan is over the person has to take a dip in the holy river of Ganges.

The whole story of Mahalaya is aired through the radio. The rendition of songs 
and the chanting of mantras in the baritone voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra 
shatters the pre-down silence. But for once people do not complain. The 
Mahalaya programme serves as a wake-up call for all wishing to go for Tarpan. 
For others, it gives rise to a feeling of an aura of festivity. The radio 
programme of the Puja is very much a part of Puja-mania. The significance of 
Mahalaya is no less than the Durga Puja.

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