Mahalaya 2024: When and Where to Listen to the Mahishasura Mardini Recital Live on October 2

The auspicious day of Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha. It’s believed that Mahalaya Amvasya is the day on which Goddess Durga descends on the earth. This day is also considered as the most auspicious occasion for initiation of Durga Puja leading to Dussehra.

This year Mahalaya will be observed on October 2 and it also coincides with a national holiday on account of Gandhi Jayanti.

Mahalaya holds importance as rituals like Shradh and Tarpan are performed to pay respect to ancestors and seek their blessings on the last day of Pitru Paksha.

As the festive season of Durga Puja approaches, the air is filled with one of the most revered traditions— the recital of the Mahishasura Mardini. This is an ancient Sanskrit composition that has been central to Durga Puja celebrations for ages.

It narrates the glory and divine powers of Maa Durga, and how she slayed demon king Mahishasur. The word literally means “the slayer of the demon Mahishasura".

Whether you are listening the programme from the comfort of your home or on the go, here are all the necessary details about when and how to enjoy the Mahishasura Mardini recital live this year.

When And Where To Listen To Mahishasuramardini

The Mahishasuramardini radio show is aired through All India Radio (AIR) during Mahalaya at dawn.

The programme is a one-and-a-half-hour audio montage that includes— recital of the Chaṇḍipāaṭh, Bengali devotional songs, classical music and acoustic melodrama.

It is a programme that is aired in both Hindi and Bengali and has been enjoyed for over ninety years. You can listen to the program on AIR, or you can watch it on YouTube:

• AIR: The programme is aired on All India Radio at 4 AM on Mahalaya.
• YouTube: It will also be available on the AIR YouTube channel.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE AT 4 AM

Durga Puja 2024 Calendar

Following Mahalaya, the Durga Puja festivities will occur as follows:

• Maha Shashthi: October 8, 2024
• Maha Saptami: October 9, 2024
• Maha Ashtami: October 10, 2024
• Maha Navami: October 11, 2024
• Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra): October 12, 2024.