Mahalaya 2026 falls on Saturday, October 10, marking the close of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha. For Bengalis, the dawn of Mahalaya signals that Durga Puja is drawing closer. Across Bengal, homes wake up before sunrise to the familiar sound of Mahishasura Mardini, the iconic radio programme narrated by Birendra Krishna Bhadra.
But why is Goddess Durga invoked on Mahalaya, and what is the mythology behind this centuries-old tradition?
Mahalaya and the arrival of Goddess Durga
Mahalaya is associated with the beginning of the goddess’s journey towards Earth. In Bengali tradition, Durga is believed to leave her heavenly abode and travel to her maternal home, where she is welcomed during the Durga Puja festivities.
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The day also marks the transition from Pitru Paksha, traditionally observed to honour ancestors, to Devi Paksha, the fortnight devoted to the worship of the goddess. This transition gives Mahalaya its distinctive spiritual significance.
The story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura
The mythology surrounding Durga’s invocation is closely linked to the demon king Mahishasura. After performing intense penance, Mahishasura received a boon from Lord Brahma that protected him from being killed by any man or god.
Believing himself unbeatable, Mahishasura attacked the three worlds and drove the gods from heaven. Unable to defeat him, the gods turned to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Their combined divine energy manifested as Goddess Durga. Armed with weapons gifted by the gods and riding a lion, she emerged as the embodiment of Shakti, the supreme feminine force.
Why Mahishasura Mardini is heard at dawn
The battle between Durga and Mahishasura continued for nine nights and ten days. The demon repeatedly changed forms, but Durga eventually defeated him and restored cosmic order.
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The story is central to the Devi Mahatmya, from which the ritual of Chandipath draws its verses. The recitation invokes the goddess and celebrates her victory over demonic forces.
That is why Mahalaya begins with an invocation of Durga. Before the dhak fills the streets, the chants of Mahishasura Mardini announce the goddess’s approaching homecoming.
For Bengal, Mahalaya is therefore both a religious observance and the emotional beginning of Durga Puja, when the wait for the goddess finally starts to feel real.