- By Ridam Sharma
- Thu, 18 Sep 2025 01:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mahalaya Amavasya vs Shubho Mahalaya: Both the festivals are interconnected, but are diversely celebrated across Pan India. Mahalaya Amavasya and Shubho Mahalaya, both sacred Hindu occasions, are strongly rooted in Indian culture and tradition. Do you know what Mahalaya Amavsya is? Mahalaya Amavasya is the last day of Pitru Paksha (shraadh). The day is the holy fortnight dedicated to honouring ancestors. People across the nation believe that offering food and worshipping forefathers on the occasion brings divine blessings from them. Additionally, the occasion of Mahalaya Amavasya is regarded auspicious, because the day leads to Devi Paksha, which is the coming of Goddess Durga.
What Is Shubho Mahalaya?
Shubho Mahalaya is majorly celebrated in Bengal and eastern India, and the day is not related to ancestor worship. Instead, the day is full of emotions and devotion as it marks the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth. On the holy day, families get up early, worship goddess Durga, spend the day chanting mantras of Ma Durga, and feel the joy of the coming of Durga Ma, marking the spiritual welcome of the festival. Especially on the day, the special ritual of Chokku Daan (the ritual of painting the eyes) happens, which symbolically means to bring life to the Durga Maa idol.
Also Read: Mahalaya Amavasya 2025: 5 Remedies To Seek Blessings Of Ancestors On This No Moon Day
Regional Variations Of Mahalaya Across India
West Bengal And Assam: Mahalaya is a spiritual beginning for Durga Puja. It is a celebration of Devi’s arrival.
Odisha: Similar ancestor rituals are performed, but local customs may honour nature and fertility along with invoking the divine feminine.
Karnataka And Other States: The day’s focus is on ancestors being worshipped through shraddha, but Durga Puja festivities are not as prominent. Rituals symbolise the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Mahalaya Amavasya vs Shubho Mahalaya:
| Mahalaya Amavasya (Pan India) | Shubho Mahalaya (Bengal-centric) | |
| Why is it celebrated? | Ancester Worship | Durga Puja Is Coming To Earth |
| Rituals | Shraaddh | Chokku Daan |
| Cultural Importance | End of Pitru Paksha | Start of Devi Paksha |
| Celebrations | Heartwarming | Joyful |
Mahalaya Amavasya or Shubho Mahalaya, both sacred occasions, showcase India's rich and diverse heritage. Additionally, the day also highlights the fact that how the same occasion is differently celebrated across India, due to strong and extensive regional influences. Let us know how you are going to celebrate Mahalaya 2025, by honouring ancestors or by welcoming Goddess Durga.