Ancestral Whispers, Divine Echoes

Every culture has its own ways of remembering the past, honouring the ancestors, and invoking the spirit of divinity.

- RAJDEEP PATHAK

In Hindu tradition, one such sacred observance is 'Pitri Paksha' - a fortnight dedicated to paying homage to departed souls. It is also during this time that one of Bengal's most cherished cultural moments unfolds the broadcast of 'Mahalaya, an invocation of Goddess Durga, immortalised in the powerful voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, whose 120th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year.

Mahalaya, rooted in ancestral worship through rituals like 'Shradh', 'Tarpan, and purifying baths, culminates on 'Mahalaya Amavasya, marking both homage to ancestors and the beginning of Devi Paksha the descent of Goddess Durga from Kailash to Earth.

Traditionally, it coincides with the sacred 'Chakkhudaan' (eye-offering), when eyes are painted on the Durga idol. Since September 22, 1931, Mahalaya has also meant waking at dawn to Birendra Krishna Bhadra's immortal recitation of the verses of Chandi known as "Chandi Path' on All India Radio. Blending verses, devotional songs, and narrative, this broadcast transformed a private ritual into a shared cultural celebration, signalling the spiritual and festive countdown to Durga Puja for Bengalis everywhere.

HISTORY AND MAKING OF AN EPIC

In the 1930s, amid India's struggle against colonial rule and its quest for cultural identity, 'Mahalaya, meaning "The Great Moment, emerged as a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Traditionally marking the advent of Durga Puja, Mahalaya was transformed into a mass cultural event through the new medium of radio. A group of visionary artists and intellectuals saw the potential of broadcasting the epic hymn Mahishasura Mardini to reconnect people with their heritage and instil pride in India's spiritual and artistic traditions. This initiative not only revived ancient rituals but also gave them a modern platform to reach millions.