Modi, Shah extend Mahalaya greetings, invoke Maa Durga's blessings
Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah marked Mahalaya on 10 October with posts on X invoking Maa Durga's blessings — a moment that also signals the formal start of India's biggest festival season. For Bengal and Bengali communities worldwide, the countdown to Durga Puja is now officially on.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah extended Mahalaya greetings on 10 October 2026 via posts on X .
Nadda also conveyed wishes, praying for good health and prosperity.
Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha , heralding the Durga Puja festive season.
The 'Chokkhu Daan' ritual — artists painting the eyes of Durga idols — is a key observance on this day.
Devotees, especially in West Bengal , perform tarpan on riverbanks including the Ganga to honour departed ancestors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, 10 October 2026, extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Mahalaya, invoking the blessings of Maa Durga for happiness, compassion, and prosperity across society.
What the Leaders Said
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote: 'Shubho Mahalaya! We seek the blessings of Maa Durga. May the blessings fill our society with happiness, compassion and hope. May there be peace and prosperity all around.'
Home Minister Shah also posted his wishes, offering a reflection on the spiritual significance of the day. 'At the juncture of the end of Pitri Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, the message of Maa Durga's arrival echoes on Mahalaya. May every life overflow with boundless joy, happiness, and prosperity under Mother's blessings,' Shah wrote.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda also conveyed heartfelt greetings, praying for good health, happiness and prosperity for all citizens. 'May Maa Durga's blessings always be with us, bringing joy, good health, and prosperity into our lives. Shubho Mahalaya,' he said.
Significance of Mahalaya
Mahalaya marks the close of Pitru Paksha — a fortnight dedicated to honouring departed ancestors through rituals such as tarpan — and heralds the opening of Devi Paksha, the auspicious period leading up to Durga Puja. The occasion holds deep cultural resonance, particularly for Bengalis across India and the world.
According to Hindu mythology, Mahalaya commemorates the emergence of Goddess Durga as the divine force who defeated the demon Mahishasura, after the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara found themselves unable to overcome him. It symbolises the timeless victory of good over evil.
Key Rituals and Observances
Devotees across the country, particularly in West Bengal, rise before dawn on Mahalaya to perform tarpan on riverbanks — including along the Ganga — offering water and prayers in remembrance of ancestors. Many households also offer food to Brahmins and distribute meals among the needy as part of traditional observances.
A distinct artistic ritual, known as 'Chokkhu Daan' (literally, the gift of eyes), sees artisans paint the eyes of Goddess Durga's idols on this day, symbolically completing the divine sculptures. A special puja precedes the ritual, lending it ceremonial weight.
Countdown to Durga Puja
With Mahalaya, the festive countdown formally begins — bringing devotion, cultural celebrations, and community enthusiasm to households across West Bengal and Bengali communities nationwide. Durga Puja, one of India's largest and most vibrant festivals, is expected to draw millions of devotees and tourists to Kolkata and other centres over the coming days.
Point of View
Inclusive, and low on news value beyond the ceremonial. The posts on X confirm the government's consistent outreach to Bengali voters, a demographic that has been central to BJP's electoral calculus in West Bengal. There is no substantive policy or governance dimension here; the significance is cultural and communal, not administrative. Mainstream coverage will rightly treat this as a festival feature rather than a hard-news story.
NationPress
10 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mahalaya and why is it celebrated?
Mahalaya is a Hindu observance that marks the end of Pitru Paksha — a fortnight of ancestral homage — and the beginning of Devi Paksha, which heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga. According to mythology, it commemorates Durga's emergence as the divine force who defeated the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
What did PM Modi say on Mahalaya 2026?
PM Modi posted on X: 'Shubho Mahalaya! We seek the blessings of Maa Durga. May the blessings fill our society with happiness, compassion and hope. May there be peace and prosperity all around.' Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister J.P. Nadda also extended greetings on the occasion.
What is the 'Chokkhu Daan' ritual on Mahalaya?
Chokkhu Daan, meaning 'gift of eyes,' is the ritual in which artists paint the eyes of Goddess Durga's idols on Mahalaya, symbolically completing the sculptures. A special puja is performed before the ritual, marking a key moment in the lead-up to Durga Puja.
What is tarpan and who performs it on Mahalaya?
Tarpan is a Hindu ritual in which devotees offer water and prayers on riverbanks in remembrance of departed ancestors. On Mahalaya, devotees — particularly in West Bengal — rise before dawn to perform tarpan along rivers such as the Ganga.
When does Durga Puja begin after Mahalaya?
Mahalaya formally marks the start of the Durga Puja countdown, with the main festivities — including Mahasaptami, Mahashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijaya Dashami — taking place over several days in the week following Mahalaya. West Bengal and Bengali communities across India are the primary centres of celebration.
