Mahalaya marks a significant day in the Hindu calendar, serving as the curtain-raiser to the auspicious festival of Durga Puja

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Mahalaya marks a significant day in the Hindu calendar, serving as the curtain-raiser to the auspicious festival of Durga Puja. It is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Bengal and beyond. One cannot think of Mahalaya without invoking the timeless, resonant voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra. His recital of the Chandipath, aired on All India Radio since the 1930s, has transcended generations, becoming synonymous with the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth.

Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Mahalaya broadcast is not just a religious chant but a deeply immersive experience. His voice has a unique cadence, full of devotion, reverence, and strength, which evokes powerful imagery of the battle between good and evil. The recitation paints the mythological tale of Goddess Durga slaying the demon king Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.

The history of this broadcast stretches back to the colonial era when it was first aired in 1931. At that time, radio was one of the most influential mediums, and through it, Mahalaya reached every Bengali household, creating a collective moment of spiritual reflection. Bhadra’s voice, rich with emotion and steeped in devotion, breathed life into the ancient scriptures, transforming a simple radio broadcast into a ritual of its own.

The essence of Mahalaya lies in invoking the divine spirit of the Mother Goddess and paying homage to our ancestors (Pitru Paksha), who bless us during this transitionary phase of the lunar cycle. Bhadra's recitation serves as an emotional and spiritual bridge between the mortal and the divine, pulling listeners into a meditative state, urging them to seek the protection and grace of Goddess Durga.

Birendra Krishna Bhadra's Mahalaya is more than an annual broadcast; it is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition. It transcends mere sound or ritual, touching the heart with its profound spiritual message, reminding humanity of the cyclical battle of dharma and adharma and inspiring us to seek purity, courage, and divine grace in our lives.

As the first light of Mahalaya dawns, Bengalis across the world wake up to this sacred call, eyes filled with hope, hearts with reverence, and minds with the anticipation of Durga Puja.

Venkataramanan Ramasethu

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