Agartala, Sep 25, 2022, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala Sept 25: Citizens across the state celebrated the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya on Sunday. Devotees offered prayers and performed “Tatpan” early Sunday morning as Mahisashurmardini was broadcasted by Akashvani Agartala.
Maintaining the tradition, a huge number of people along with friends and families came out from their residences on early morning hours for a walk.
There was an overflowing crowd in the College tilla area of capital city near MBB College. People from many parts of the city and outskirts came out to celebrate the homecoming of Maa Durga.
Devotees thronged to the Laxmi Narayan Bari temple to offer Tarpan.
Pitru Paksha is observed by Hindus by remembering their ancestors. Tarpan comes from the word “Trup” which means satisfying or pleasing others. Pitru Tarpan is a way of gratifying the ancestors and freeing them from any unfulfilled desires so that they complete their journey to the heavenly abode with peace, satisfaction and happiness.
Remembering the ancestors names, with chanting mantras, water, milk and black sesame seeds were offered during the Pitru Tarpan.
As per Hindu beliefs, Goddess Durga visits her paternal house in Mahalaya. The beliefs believe that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar created Maa Durga to eliminate the powerful demon that devatas were even unable to kill Mahisasura.
The Devaloka was ruled by Mahisasur and to protect themselves, the devatas and Lord Vishnu worshipped Adi Shakti to diminish the Asura. The fight between Goddess Durga and Mahisasura took place for around 9 days and on the 10th day, Goddess Durga killed the demon and with this started the beginning of Navratri and Durga Puja.
The day is significant as it is the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devipaksha. It brings with it the smell and essence of the commencement of the year's biggest festival of Bengalis. As wild white kash phool Kans grass in full bloom sweeps every household with the feeling that Maa Durga is coming home, celebrations already start ringing in the hearts of every Bengali.