Question: Mahalaya festival is associated with which deity?
(a) Durga
(b) Shankar
(c) Lakshmi
(d) Ram
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- On 17 September 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on Mahalaya.
- The day of Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of the Pitri Paksha, according to Hindu calendar.
- Pitri Paksha is a 16-day lunar period during which Hindus pay homage to their ancestors through shradh prayers and food offerings.
- It is believed that on Mahalaya, Goddess Durga begins her journey to the Earth from her home in Kailash.
- In Bengal, Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities.
- Bengali people traditionally wake up early in the morning on Mahalaya to recite hymns from the Devi Mahatmya (Chandi) scripture. Offerings to the ancestors are made in homes and at puja mandaps (temporary shrines).
By-Amar Mani Upadhyay
Links:
http://newsonair.com/News?title=PM-Modi-greets-people-on-Mahalaya&id=400065
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitri_Paksha