Mahalaya 2026The Auspicious Advent of Mother Durga & End of Pitru Paksha
Accurate Tithi & Muhurat Timings (2026)
Celebrated on Saturday because the Amavasya Tithi prevails during the morning and daytime hours of Saturday, which is the prescribed time for Tarpan.
Declared as a public holiday in West Bengal. Offices, schools, and educational institutions remain closed to mark the occasion.
Deep Dive into Mahalaya Customs & Rituals
What is Mahalaya?
Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Devi Paksha and the countdown to Durga Puja. It is celebrated at the end of Pitru Paksha (the fortnight of mourning). Traditionally, Bengalis wake up at 4:00 AM on Mahalaya morning to listen to the iconic radio broadcast of "Mahishasura Mardini" recited by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, which narrates the story of Goddess Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura. It is also the day when lakhs of devotees gather along the banks of the River Hooghly (Ganga) to perform Tarpan—offering holy water to their ancestors in remembrance.