Mahalaya

Mahalaya marks the last day of Pitrupaksh and heralds the arrival of Ma Durga on earth as a creation by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh after they prayed to Adi Shakti at the behest of Devtas who were being tormented by Mahishasur. This is also the start of Durga Puja and nine days of celebration of Navratri starting from tomorrow after the end of Pitrapaksh.

In view of the anticipated fear of Covid third wave, this year also the celebrations are likely to be subdued ( no pandal hopping or dandiya and garba), but whether we celebrate it in subdued manner or go whole hog, nothing can prevent this feeling of joy and hope that this festival brings to all of us. The modern Mahishasurs of today should get obliterated from our midst should be our prayer to goddess Durga, the feelings expressed in the following verse:

Ma Durga has arrived on earth
As a creation by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh
To rid the mankind of Mahishasurs
That seemed to be giving us pain and controlling our fate!

A word of warning to the Mahishasurs of today
Covid, terrorists, arsonists and rapists on earth
Don’t invoke Mother’s wrath
She will obliterate you all and spread the mirth!

Happy Mahalaya!