Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the social media platform X on Sunday to greet the nation on the occasion of Mahalaya, the day that heralds the start of Durga Puja festivities.
“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,” he posted.
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
The Prime Minister’s message set a positive and spiritual tone for the festive season, reflecting the anticipation and devotion with which people across India prepare for Durga Puja.
The Significance of Mahalaya
Mahalaya marks the conclusion of Shradh or Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period during which Hindus honour their ancestors through prayers and offerings. It ushers in Devi Paksha, the 10-day celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga, culminating in the grand festivities of Durga Puja.
Goddess Durga descends to Earth on this day to vanquish the demon king Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
The Hindu community regards the occasion as both a spiritual and cultural milestone in its calendar.
In West Bengal, Mahalaya carries special significance. The day begins with the iconic pre-dawn broadcast of Mahishasura Mardini, a devotional programme of hymns and mantras invoking the Goddess.
Listening to this broadcast has become a cherished tradition for millions of Bengalis, signifying the spiritual start of Durga Puja.
Thousands of devotees perform tarpan on the banks of the Hooghly River and other water bodies across the state, paying homage to their ancestors.
This ritual not only honours past generations but also formally ushers in the festive season.
Another important custom associated with Mahalaya is Chokhhu Daan, the ritual in which sculptors paint the eyes of Goddess Durga’s idols. This act symbolises the invocation of divine presence into the idol and marks the official countdown to Durga Puja.
Leaders Extend Greetings
Alongside PM Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also greeted the public.
In her message, she invoked the Goddess by writing, “Awake Durga, awake, bearer of ten weapons.”
She further added, “On the occasion of Tan, Agomoni, and Abahan, I my heartfelt Mahalaya greetings to all,” and shared a new Puja song she had personally written and composed.
Her post highlighted the cultural and artistic spirit that Durga Puja embodies, blending devotion with creative expression.
“জাগো দুর্গা, জাগো দশপ্রহরণধারিণী”
তর্পণে, আগমনে ও আবাহনে সকলকে জানাই মহালয়ার শুভকামনা।
এই উপলক্ষে আপনাদের সবার সঙ্গে আমার লেখা ও সুর করা একটি পুজোর নতুন গান শেয়ার করে নিচ্ছি। pic.twitter.com/2RoZDJcRTp
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 20, 2025
Moreover, with Mahalaya, the spiritual anticipation of Durga Puja takes tangible form. Markets, neighbourhoods, and households in West Bengal and across India begin preparing in earnest, as the arrival of the Goddess is celebrated with colour, devotion, and grandeur.
For millions, the day marks not just the beginning of festivities but also a reaffirmation of values—light over darkness, good over evil, and faith over despair.
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