Its Mahalaya today / myLot

Calcutta, India

October 9, 2026 8:07pm CST

Hi everyone!! You might be familiar with Durga Puja which a huge 5 day event in Calcutta (and many parts of India under different names). Today is Mahalaya. It marks the ceremonial invocation of Goddess Durga- the official initiation of Durga Puja. I woke up at 5 am today to listen to Birendra Krishna Bhadra's mahalaya recital. Its another soul-stirring experience. The dawn breaks and the scent of kashful (plume grass) and Shiuli (coral jasmine) heralds the arrival of the Goddess on Earth. Its 6:30 a.m. here and I just thought of sharing this with you all. How are you all?

3 people like this

3 responses

Amber

@AmbiePam (130345)

• United States

I hope you enjoy your day.

It’s evening now, around 9pm, and it’s been a long day. I think I should turn in.

Unfortunately, I am nowhere near sleepy.

2 people like this

Aparna Sen

@Dreamerby (10393)

• Calcutta, India

I hope you get a good sleep! I had a special lunch of fried rice and paneer (similar to tofu) curry

1 person likes this

Amber

@AmbiePam (130345)

• United States

@Dreamerby I would love to try that.

Michael

@Wrexxo (9106)

•

Waking up at 5 am for the Mahalaya recital sounds so special, the kashful and shiuli part made me picture the whole morning. I never knew much about Durga Puja but this makes me want to learn more. Hope the five days are full of good food and good company for you.

1 person likes this

Aparna Sen

@Dreamerby (10393)

• Calcutta, India

Thanks! Yes you must visit Kolkata once during Durga puja.

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (389220)

• Rockingham, Australia

Thank you for sharing your special day with us. I hope I hope the rest of the event goes well.

1 person likes this

Aparna Sen

@Dreamerby (10393)

• Calcutta, India

Thanks! Have a good day !!

1 person likes this