One of the oldest and most interesting ritual is the Chokkhudaan : offering the eye of Goddess Durga. The final stroke of the paint makes the eyes of Durga. This ritual is supposed to done in complete darkness using candle/dhibri and in the presence of only one sculptor and no one else. Traditionally, last day of Pitra Paksh (Mahalaya/Pitra-Visarjan) is the day of ‘Chakshu-Dan’ which literally mean ‘Giving Vision’. After Mahalaya (Pitra Paksha) Devi Paksha starts…
Mahalaya is the day when the goddess Durga is believed to begin her journey from Mount Kailash. Bengali people traditionally wake up early in the morning on Mahalaya to recite hymns from the Devi Mahatmya (Chandi) scripture. Every Bengali household wakes up at dawn to listen to a collection of songs and mantras known as Mahisasuramardini that recounts goddess Durga’s birth and eventual triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. This year, Mahalaya which is also known as Sarva Pitra Amavasya, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 02, 2024.
Chandi Path in the morning of Mahalaya day is a celebration of the divine feminine energy. It represents the strength, resilience, and fierce warrior form embodied by Devi Durga. In the early ages, gender equality and women’s empowerment are critical topics. This Path shows that Sanatanis have always worshiped divine feminine energy. Thus, the Path serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging Sanatana Dharma’s truth on respecting the feminine aspects in all things divine. Thus, for true believers Mahalaya Chandi Path is not just a ritual; it’s a spiritual awakening.