Which festival is on 1st October in India?
On October 1st, 2025, the festival of Mahalaya is observed in India. This is a significant day in the lead-up to Durga Puja, especially in West Bengal and other Eastern states.Mahalaya: The Prelude to Durga PujaMahalaya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja celebrations and is considered an auspicious day when Goddess Durga is invited to come to Earth to defeat evil. It falls on the last day of the month of Bhadra in the Hindu lunar calendar and usually occurs a few days before the actual Durga Puja festival begins.Key Significance of Mahalaya:1. Invocation of Goddess Durga:
Mahalaya is a day when people in bengal and surrounding regions perform rituals to invite Goddess Durga and her children (Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartik, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati) to come to Earth. It marks the start of the Devipaksha, the period during which Durga is said to visit her maternal home.2. Kola Bou (Bamboo and Plantain Ritual):
On this day, Kola Bou (a banana tree, symbolizing Goddess Durga) is brought to homes and temples, signifying the start of the Durga Puja celebrations.3. Chandi Path and Rituals:
In many homes and temples, people perform Chandi Path (reciting sacred texts) and offer prayers to the Goddess. Mahalaya is also the day when people offer Tarpan to their ancestors, remembering them and seeking their blessings.4. The Popular Radio Broadcast:
A unique feature of Mahalaya is the All india Radio's broadcast of a special program featuring the recitation of "Mahishasura Mardini" by Birendra krishna Bhadra, which is heard by millions. This program has become an iconic part of Mahalaya for bengali families, signaling the approach of Durga Puja.5. The Beginning of Festive Atmosphere:
As Mahalaya marks the start of the durga puja season, the atmosphere turns festive, with preparations for the grand event of durga puja beginning in communities and homes. The next few days see elaborate decorations, idol making, and final preparations for the main Puja celebrations.Conclusion:While Mahalaya is particularly significant in West Bengal, it is also observed in other parts of india, especially in regions where Durga Puja is celebrated with great fervor. It is a day to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga and prepare for the grand festivities of durga puja that follow. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
Mahalaya is a day when people in bengal and surrounding regions perform rituals to invite Goddess Durga and her children (Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartik, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati) to come to Earth. It marks the start of the Devipaksha, the period during which Durga is said to visit her maternal home.2. Kola Bou (Bamboo and Plantain Ritual):
On this day, Kola Bou (a banana tree, symbolizing Goddess Durga) is brought to homes and temples, signifying the start of the Durga Puja celebrations.3. Chandi Path and Rituals:
In many homes and temples, people perform Chandi Path (reciting sacred texts) and offer prayers to the Goddess. Mahalaya is also the day when people offer Tarpan to their ancestors, remembering them and seeking their blessings.4. The Popular Radio Broadcast:
A unique feature of Mahalaya is the All india Radio's broadcast of a special program featuring the recitation of "Mahishasura Mardini" by Birendra krishna Bhadra, which is heard by millions. This program has become an iconic part of Mahalaya for bengali families, signaling the approach of Durga Puja.5. The Beginning of Festive Atmosphere:
As Mahalaya marks the start of the durga puja season, the atmosphere turns festive, with preparations for the grand event of durga puja beginning in communities and homes. The next few days see elaborate decorations, idol making, and final preparations for the main Puja celebrations.Conclusion:While Mahalaya is particularly significant in West Bengal, it is also observed in other parts of india, especially in regions where Durga Puja is celebrated with great fervor. It is a day to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga and prepare for the grand festivities of durga puja that follow. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.