The 10th-year celebration of Durga Puja is set to commence at Bondhu Mahal's mandap in Rajendra Singh Memorial Park, Indira Nagar, on the auspicious day of Maha Sasthi, which falls on the 20th of October 2023, at 7:30 pm. This grand event will start with the captivating performance of Mahisasura Mardini, also known as Mahalaya.

 

What makes this occasion truly special is that Bondhu Mahal will be hosting the Mahisasura Mardini for the first time, featuring renowned experts from Lucknow in the realms of Chandi path and song. Leading the Mahisasur Mardini team is Mr. Ashim Sarkar, while Anindya Choudhury (Joy da) will mesmerize with the Chandipath. The performance will be enhanced by the talents of six male and six female singers, accompanied by four skilled instrumentalists.

 

The significance of Mahalaya extends beyond the local celebrations. On the 14th of October 2023, Mahisasura Mardini or Mahalaya will be broadcasted on both radio and television, marking the commencement of Navratri. This tradition is cherished by Bengalis who, in the early morning, tune in to the timeless voice of late Birendra Krishna Bhadra reciting the holy verses of 'Mahisasura Mardini' (Chandi Path). This sacred recital narrates the story of Goddess Durga's descent to Earth and is accompanied by heartrending songs by prominent playback singers such as Hemanta Mukherjee and Sandhya Mukhopadhyay.

 

Delving into the legend behind Mahalaya, it is believed that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar (Lord Shiva) created Maa Durga to vanquish the formidable demon Mahisasura, whom even the devatas and humans couldn't defeat. Mahisasura ruled Devloka, and the devatas, along with Lord Vishnu, sought the blessings of Adi Shakti to subdue the Asura. Mahalaya also signifies the conclusion of 'Pitru Paksha,' and on this day, sculptors craft the eyes of Goddess Durga and perform a special puja.

 

The epic battle between Maa Durga and Demon Mahisasura spanned nine days, culminating in his defeat on the 10th day. Durga, the goddess of power, is venerated across the country during these ten days, believed to descend to Earth to bestow blessings upon her devotees.

 

This year's Durga Puja will commence on the 20th of October and conclude on the 24th of October with Dashami or Dussehra, uniting communities in the joyous celebration of divine power and triumph over evil.