Durga Puja, a renowned Hindu festival, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Also recognized as Sharodotsav or Durgotsava, this festival spans the five days of festivity during Shardiya Navratri. These five days are individually observed as Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami. The celebration over these five days commemorates the triumphant victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura.

Significance of the First Day (Mahalaya):

• Mahalaya is traditionally considered the day when Goddess Durga descends to Earth from her heavenly abode, along with her children Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. It is the invitation day, signaling the arrival of Durga on Earth.
• Mahalaya also marks the end of Pitru Paksha (the fortnight dedicated to honoring ancestors) and the beginning of the more festive Devi Paksha (the fortnight dedicated to Goddess Durga).
• Devotees believe that on this day, Lord Vishnu wakes up the Goddess from her deep meditation to prepare for her battle against the demon Mahishasura.

Traditions and Rituals:

1. Chandipath: Early in the morning, Hindus recite verses from the Devi Mahatmyam or Chandi Path, which narrates the story of the victory of Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This recitation invokes the Goddess’s presence.

   • In Bengal, the famous rendition of Mahishasura Mardini by Birendra Krishna Bhadra is broadcast on the radio and has become a significant part of Mahalaya morning, creating a sense of anticipation and devotion.

2. Tarpan: On Mahalaya, people perform the ritual of Tarpan at riverbanks, offering water, flowers, and prayers to their ancestors to seek their blessings. This is a significant ritual for Hindus, as they pay homage to the departed souls.

3. Kalparambha: While the main celebrations of Durga Puja start a few days later, some places mark the Kalparambha (starting of the rituals) with a symbolic invocation of the Goddess on Mahalaya. This is done by marking the eyes on the idols of Durga in a ceremony known as Chokkhu Daan.

4. Artistic Preparations: In many regions, the artistic work on the Durga idols reaches its final stages by Mahalaya. The artisans, known as Kumartuli in West Bengal, give finishing touches to the idols, especially the eyes of the Goddess, in the Chokkhu Daan ritual. This moment is spiritually significant, as it is believed to breathe life into the idols.

Spiritual Meaning:

The first day of Durga Puja carries profound spiritual significance. It symbolizes the ultimate victory of good over evil and the advent of divine forces to restore harmony and order in the world. Mahalaya sets the emotional and religious foundation for the days of festivity that follow.

Connection to Navratri:

Durga Puja, though largely associated with eastern India, is deeply linked to Navratri celebrations across the country. In many parts of India, the first day of Durga Puja coincides with the first day of Navratri, when nine days of fasting and worship of the nine forms of Durga begin. This makes it a pan-Indian festival celebrated in different ways but with the same spiritual devotion.

Timeline of the Durga Puja Festival:

• Mahalaya (First Day): Marks the symbolic descent of Goddess Durga to Earth.
• Shashthi (Sixth Day): The actual Durga Puja begins, with the unveiling of the idol and the formal invocation of the Goddess.
• Saptami (Seventh Day): A small banana tree is bathed and placed next to Durga’s idol, symbolizing the Nabapatrika (nine plants that represent the nine forms of Durga).
• Ashtami (Eighth Day): The most auspicious day of the festival. It is marked by Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja, celebrating the divine feminine energy.
• Navami (Ninth Day): The day after Ashtami, devotees perform the final rites of Durga Puja, with special prayers and offerings.
• Dashami (Tenth Day): Also known as Vijaya Dashami, this day marks the victory of Durga over Mahishasura and the immersion of Durga’s idol into the river, signifying her return to her celestial home.

Conclusion:

The First Day of Durga Puja, Mahalaya, is a day of spiritual awakening and deep reverence, as it marks the arrival of the Goddess Durga on Earth. The rituals, including the offering to ancestors and the invocation of Durga through ancient scriptures, create an atmosphere of faith, devotion, and anticipation for the grand celebrations of the festival. It signifies the start of the most celebrated religious and cultural event in eastern India and beyond, embodying the triumph of good over evil and the welcoming of divine forces into the mortal realm.