'May Our Lives Be Filled With Light, Purpose': PM Modi Wishes Shubho Mahalaya

Mahalaya heralds the beginning of Devi Paksha, a 10-day celebration honoring Goddess Durga that culminates in the grand Durga Puja festival.

New Delhi:

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Mahalaya, which marks the prelude to Durga Puja celebrations.

Taking to his X platform, he shared: "Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy and wonderful health."

Wishing you all Shubho Mahalaya! As the sacred days of Durga Puja draw near, may our lives be filled with light and purpose. May the divine blessings of Maa Durga bring unwavering strength, lasting joy and wonderful health.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2025

Mahalaya is celebrated at the end of 'Shradh' or 'Pitru Paksha', a 16-day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, and it signifies the commencement of the Durga Puja festivities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also shared her wishes on social media. She wrote, "Awake Durga, awake, bearer of ten weapons."

"On the occasion of Tan, Agomoni, and Abahan, I offer my heartfelt Mahalaya greetings to all. On this occasion, I am sharing with all of you a new Puja song written and composed by me," her post stated.

Mahalaya introduces Devi Paksha, a 10-day celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga that culminates in Durga Puja. It represents the arrival of Goddess Durga to Earth to vanquish the demon king Mahishasura. This auspicious day symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

In West Bengal, a cherished tradition on this day is the pre-dawn broadcast of 'Mahishasura Mardini', a program featuring hymns and chants invoking the Goddess, which is eagerly anticipated by all.

Thousands across West Bengal perform 'tarpan', marking the beginning of the festive season leading to Durga Puja. The day begins with people paying tributes to their ancestors at the banks of the Hooghly River and other water bodies throughout the state.

After Mahalaya, preparations for Durga Puja intensify, particularly in West Bengal, as the official countdown to the festival begins. On this day, sculptors typically perform the 'Chokhhu Daan' ritual, painting the eyes of Devi Durga.