Today is Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion that heralds the beginning of Durga Puja, a time of reverence and reflection. It's a day when the ancestors are remembered and goddess Durga is invoked to descend to Earth. Mahalaya is not just a religious observance but a cultural phenomenon that connects Bengalis across the world.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”The word Mahalaya is derived from two Sanskrit words, Maha and Alaya, which together mean the Great Abode or the Home of the Goddess. It is believed that on this day, goddess Durga begins her journey from Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva to Earth in order to descend upon her devotees.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period when forefathers are honoured through rituals and offerings. It's believed that during this time, the souls of the departed are believed to reside on Earth, and Mahalaya is when one seeks their blessings and forgiveness.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”The most iconic tradition of Mahalaya is listening to Mahishasura Mardini, a mesmerizing recitation of the epic tale of goddess Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura. The script of this program was written by Bani Kumar and the music was directed by&nbsp;Pankaj Kumar Mallik. It was recited by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. It was first broadcast on All India Radio in 1931 and has since become an integral part of Mahalaya.<br />”On this day, families come together to remember their ancestors and prepare for the upcoming festivities. Mahalaya is a reminder that culture and heritage are deeply rooted in the past.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”<span style="color: #222222;">Invoking the blessings of the divine, devotees are looking forward to the grand celebration of Durga Puja.</span><br />