PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister J.P. Nadda extended Mahalaya greetings, praying for happiness, peace, good health and prosperity. Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha ahead of Durga Puja.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister J.P. Nadda on Saturday extended heartfelt greetings to people on the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya, praying for happiness, peace, good health and prosperity in every household. Their messages highlighted the spiritual significance of the occasion and the blessings of Maa Durga as devotees prepare for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his Mahalaya wishes through a post on social media platform X, expressing hope that the blessings of Maa Durga would bring happiness, compassion and hope to society.
“Shubho Mahalaya! We seek the blessings of Maa Durga. May the blessings fill our society with happiness, compassion and hope. May there be peace and prosperity all around,” the Prime Minister said.
His message reflected the spirit of Mahalaya, an occasion that holds deep religious and cultural significance, particularly among Bengali communities. The day marks the transition from the period of remembrance for departed ancestors to the beginning of Devi Paksha, which heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga and the festive season.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings, wishing people joy, well-being and prosperity under the blessings of Maa Durga. In his message, Shah described Mahalaya as a sacred occasion that marks the end of Pitri Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha.
“Shubho Mahalaya! Warm greetings to all on the sacred occasion of Mahalaya. May the blessings of Maa Durga fill every life with boundless joy, well-being and prosperity,” Shah said.
He further noted that the message of Maa Durga’s arrival echoes across communities during this period, bringing hope and happiness to devotees. Shah prayed that every life would be filled with joy, well-being and prosperity through the blessings of the Goddess.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda also conveyed his wishes on the occasion, praying for good health, happiness and prosperity for all. Extending his heartfelt greetings, Nadda said, “My heartfelt greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya. May Maa Durga’s blessings always be with us, bringing joy, good health, and prosperity into our lives. Shubho Mahalaya.”
Mahalaya is observed at the end of Pitru Paksha, a period during which Hindus pay homage to their ancestors through prayers and traditional rituals. Its conclusion marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, considered an auspicious period associated with Goddess Durga and the approach of Durga Puja.
According to Hindu mythology, Mahalaya is associated with the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Legend states that when the gods, including Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, were unable to defeat the powerful demon, they sought the help of Adi Shakti. Goddess Durga emerged as the divine force who ultimately defeated Mahishasura and restored peace.
The occasion also holds special importance in the traditional preparations for Durga Puja. One of its notable rituals is ‘Chokkhu Daan’, during which artists paint the eyes of Goddess Durga’s idols. A special puja is performed before this ritual, which symbolically signifies the completion of the idols and their readiness for the celebrations.
Across the country, particularly in West Bengal and other regions with strong Bengali cultural traditions, devotees rise early on Mahalaya to perform ‘tarpan’ on riverbanks. During the ritual, they offer water and prayers in remembrance of their departed ancestors. Some families also offer food to Brahmins and distribute meals among people in need as part of their observances.
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Mahalaya is therefore both a day of remembrance and a moment of renewed spiritual anticipation. For millions of devotees, it signals the beginning of the countdown to Durga Puja, one of the most significant festivals in the Bengali cultural calendar.
With Mahalaya, communities begin preparing for days of worship, cultural programmes and festive gatherings. The greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda underscored the occasion’s message of devotion, hope, compassion and prosperity as people look forward to welcoming Maa Durga.
