Makar Sankranti is a Hindu harvest festival, celebrated across the country among various ethnic and cultural groups in India and Nepal. The festival is identified with various names across various regions, such as Peddha Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, Lohri in Punjab and North India, Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Makaravilakku in Kerala, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Makara Sankranti in Karnataka, to name a few. The religious/cultural festival is based on the movement of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn. The festival is celebrated with kite flying, bonfire, fairs, feast, arts, dance and socialisation.&nbsp;<h2>Date and time of Makar Sankranti 2026</h2>Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14, 2026, with the Punya Kala between 03:13 PM IST to 05:45 PM IST.<h2>Rituals of Makar Sankranti 2026</h2>Many people celebrate Makar Sankranti differently. Some do it by taking a dip in a river like, Ganga. After a bath on a cold winter morning, people offer Arghya to Lord Surya (sun worship) and then light a diya (lamp) in front of lord Vishnu. In some places, people fly kites, donate clothes, food to the needy and make beautiful rangolis. While in many places like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, people celebrate by lighting a bonfire, cooking various delicacies from granules of sugar-coated till pulses, and feasting together with family.&nbsp;<h2>History and significance of Makar Sankranti</h2>At its core, Makar Sankranti is tied to the agrarian roots of Hinduism. It coincides with the harvesting of the Rabi crops and the beginning of abundance. For farmers, it is a moment of gratitude to the sun, soil and the rain. In Hindu mythology, the closest association of Makar Sankranti is with Bheesm Pitamaha, of Hastinapur in Dwapar Yoga. He was blessed with iccha mrithyu (the ability to choose the time of his death). He chose this day of Uttaryan for his death, as the sun starts its celestial journey towards the north, an auspicious period that led to his liberation (moksha). Thus, the day is associated with Hindu mythology and folklore of spiritual elevation, clarity, and divine timing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Makar Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on January 14. Know the auspicious timings, rituals, regional names, history and cultural significance of the harvest festival.

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu harvest festival, celebrated across the country among various ethnic and cultural groups in India and Nepal. The festival is identified with various names across various regions, such as Peddha Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, Lohri in Punjab and North India, Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Makaravilakku in Kerala, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Makara Sankranti in Karnataka, to name a few. The religious/cultural festival is based on the movement of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn. The festival is celebrated with kite flying, bonfire, fairs, feast, arts, dance and socialisation. Date and time of Makar Sankranti 2026 Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14, 2026, with the Punya Kala between 03:13 PM IST to 05:45 PM IST. Rituals of Makar Sankranti 2026 Many people celebrate Makar Sankranti differently. Some do it by taking a dip in a river like, Ganga. After a bath on a cold winter morning, people offer Arghya to Lord Surya (sun worship) and then light a diya (lamp) in front of lord Vishnu. In some places, people fly kites, donate clothes, food to the needy and make beautiful rangolis. While in many places like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, people celebrate by lighting a bonfire, cooking various delicacies from granules of sugar-coated till pulses, and feasting together with family. History and significance of Makar Sankranti At its core, Makar Sankranti is tied to the agrarian roots of Hinduism. It coincides with the harvesting of the Rabi crops and the beginning of abundance. For farmers, it is a moment of gratitude to the sun, soil and the rain. In Hindu mythology, the closest association of Makar Sankranti is with Bheesm Pitamaha, of Hastinapur in Dwapar Yoga. He was blessed with iccha mrithyu (the ability to choose the time of his death). He chose this day of Uttaryan for his death, as the sun starts its celestial journey towards the north, an auspicious period that led to his liberation (moksha). Thus, the day is associated with Hindu mythology and folklore of spiritual elevation, clarity, and divine timing.

Makar Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on January 14. Know the auspicious timings, rituals, regional names, history and cultural significance of the harvest festival.

Makar Sankranti 2026: When is Makar Sankranti? Date, time, rituals, history and significance- Everything you need to know

Chaitra Navratri, an auspicious Hindu festival, has begun today, Sunday, March 30, 2025, and will go on till Monday, April 7.

Chaitra Navratri: Nine-Day festival honours Goddess Durga's incarnations

United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (Oct 28)&nbsp;celebrated Diwali at a grand event hosted at the White House. The event was attended by over 600 prominent Indian Americans including Congress members, officials and industry leaders, reported news agency PTI.

“As President, I have been honoured to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the White House. To me, it means a great deal. As Senator, Vice President, and President; South Asian Americans have been key members of my staff," Biden said while addressing the guests at the White House.

“From Kamala to Dr. Murthy to so many of you here today, I'm proud that I kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-us-presidential-elections-in-2020-led-to-capitol-attack-which-sent-democracy-into-throes-771696">How US presidential elections in 2020 led to Capitol attack which sent democracy into throes?</a>

Various eminent personalities including Indian American youth activist Shrusti Amula, Vice Admiral Vivek H Murthy, and the US surgeon general addressed the crowd at the vibrant celebrations. A recorded video of Diwali wishes from NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams, who is stuck in space at the International Space Station (ISS), was also played at the event.

However, Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr Jill Biden did not take part in the celebrations due to campaigning obligations ahead of the 2024 presidential election.&nbsp;

While highlighting the diversity in American democracy Biden said, “This is not my house; this is your house... In a country as diverse as ours, we debate, we dissent, but we never lose sight of how we got here and why.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2016-the-dawn-of-the-trump-era-and-the-fall-of-democrats-771702">US Elections 2016: The dawn of the Trump era and the fall of Democrats</a>

He recalled the previous Diwali celebrations at the White House in 2016 and said that a “dark cloud formed from hate and hostility toward immigrants, including South Asian Americans,” which has once again returned in 2024 like before.

Biden lit a&nbsp;diya in the Blue Room of the White House and acknowledged the role of the South Asian American Community in America.

“On this day in America, we think about that journey of light. Early in our nation's founding, a generation before diya, in the shadow of suspicion, now in a time Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House,” the US president said.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (Oct 28) celebrated Diwali at a grand event hosted at the White House. The event was attended by over 600 prominent Indian Americans including Congress members, officials and industry leaders, reported news agency PTI.

United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (Oct 28) celebrated Diwali at a grand event hosted at the White House. The event was attended by over 600 prominent Indian Americans including Congress members, officials and industry leaders, reported news agency PTI. “As President, I have been honoured to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the White House. To me, it means a great deal. As Senator, Vice President, and President; South Asian Americans have been key members of my staff," Biden said while addressing the guests at the White House. “From Kamala to Dr. Murthy to so many of you here today, I'm proud that I kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America,” he added. Also read | How US presidential elections in 2020 led to Capitol attack which sent democracy into throes? Various eminent personalities including Indian American youth activist Shrusti Amula, Vice Admiral Vivek H Murthy, and the US surgeon general addressed the crowd at the vibrant celebrations. A recorded video of Diwali wishes from NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams, who is stuck in space at the International Space Station (ISS), was also played at the event. However, Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr Jill Biden did not take part in the celebrations due to campaigning obligations ahead of the 2024 presidential election. While highlighting the diversity in American democracy Biden said, “This is not my house; this is your house... In a country as diverse as ours, we debate, we dissent, but we never lose sight of how we got here and why.” Also read | US Elections 2016: The dawn of the Trump era and the fall of Democrats He recalled the previous Diwali celebrations at the White House in 2016 and said that a “dark cloud formed from hate and hostility toward immigrants, including South Asian Americans,” which has once again returned in 2024 like before. Biden lit a diya in the Blue Room of the White House and acknowledged the role of the South Asian American Community in America. “On this day in America, we think about that journey of light. Early in our nation's founding, a generation before diya, in the shadow of suspicion, now in a time Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House,” the US president said. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden hosts grand Diwali celebrations at White House

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is an important Hindu event attended by millions of devotees worldwide. Maha Kumbh Mela will be celebrated in January 2025 and is scheduled from January 14 to February 26, 2025, at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where devotees will come together and celebrate tradition, faith, and cultural heritage.&nbsp;

Kumbh Mela is a massive cultural event that showcases India’s richest heritage. The grand festival is celebrated every twelve years and is marked by ritual baths in sacred rivers. It is held at four sacred locations,&nbsp;Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place at Prayagraj for 30-45 days.&nbsp;

<h2>History of Kumbh Mela</h2>

The literal meaning of “Kumbh” is “pot”. The ancient roots of Kumbh Mela in Hindu mythology are believed to have originated from the tale of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). According to a legend, a pot of Amrit (nectar) fell at four locations, which were Haridwar, Ujjain, Pryagraj, and Nashik, during the struggle between gods and demons. Since then, these sites have become sacred sites for pilgrimage, and Kumbh Mela is organised at these four locations.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grap-stage-i-enforced-as-aqi-in-delhi-ncr-worsens-to-poor-category-767529">GRAP Stage-I enforced as AQI in Delhi-NCR worsens to ‘poor’ category</a>

In ancient history, the initial documented reference to Kumbh Mela dates back to the sixth century, when a Chinese traveller, Xuanzang (Hüan-Tsang), noted a huge crowd of people at the banks of the river Ganges.&nbsp;

<h2>There are four main Kumbh Melas:&nbsp;</h2>

1. Kumbh Mela: Celebrated every four years at one of the four designated locations.&nbsp; 
2. Purna Kumbh Mela: Occurs after 12 years based on planetary positions.&nbsp; 
3. Ardh Kumbh Mela: Organised every 6 years only in Haridwar and Allahabad.&nbsp; 
4. Maha Kumbh Mela: The most significant and the largest of these gatherings, held at Prayagraj after 144 years upon completion of 12 Purna Kumbh.&nbsp;

<h2>Kumbh Mela 2025 important dates</h2>

The festival will begin on Makar Sankranti (January 14, 2025) with many pilgrims taking a holy dip in the Sangam and will culminate on Maha Shivratr (February 26, 2025). Important dates to take ritual baths during this period will include:&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Major Bathing Dates</td>
			<td>&nbsp;Event</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13 January 2025</td>
			<td>Paush Purnima</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14 January 2025 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td>
			<td>Makar Sankranti</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>29 January 2025</td>
			<td>Mauni Amavasya</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>04 February 2025&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Basant Panchami</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12 February 2025</td>
			<td>Maghi Purnima</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>26 February 2025</td>
			<td>Maha Shivratri</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

These dates are important for devotees, as bathing on these sacred days is believed to grant spiritual benefits and cleanse sins.&nbsp;

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<h2>Kumbh Mela 2025 Significance&nbsp;</h2>

The Kumbh Mela 2025 holds immense significance among Hindus. It is not only a religious gathering but also a celebration of community, culture, and spirituality. The festival serves as a common platform to showcase India’s heritage. It brings together people from different communities and diverse backgrounds, promoting shared values and unity. The rituals, art, and music displayed during the event highlight the deep-rooted traditions of the country, fostering a sense of togetherness among participants.&nbsp;

<h2>Kumbh Mela 2025 App</h2>

The Kumbh Mela 2025 app has also been launched to enhance the experience of devotees attending this auspicious festival. Users can access real-time information on schedules, events, and other information, including map routes and transportation options. Mahakumbh2025 app is available in the App Store or Google Play Store.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is an important Hindu event attended by millions of devotees worldwide. Maha Kumbh Mela will be celebrated in January 2025 and is scheduled from January 14 to February 26, 2025, at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where devotees will come together and celebrate tradition, faith, and cultural heritage.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is an important Hindu event attended by millions of devotees worldwide. Maha Kumbh Mela will be celebrated in January 2025 and is scheduled from January 14 to February 26, 2025, at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where devotees will come together and celebrate tradition, faith, and cultural heritage. Kumbh Mela is a massive cultural event that showcases India’s richest heritage. The grand festival is celebrated every twelve years and is marked by ritual baths in sacred rivers. It is held at four sacred locations, Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place at Prayagraj for 30-45 days. History of Kumbh Mela The literal meaning of “Kumbh” is “pot”. The ancient roots of Kumbh Mela in Hindu mythology are believed to have originated from the tale of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). According to a legend, a pot of Amrit (nectar) fell at four locations, which were Haridwar, Ujjain, Pryagraj, and Nashik, during the struggle between gods and demons. Since then, these sites have become sacred sites for pilgrimage, and Kumbh Mela is organised at these four locations. Also Read | GRAP Stage-I enforced as AQI in Delhi-NCR worsens to ‘poor’ category In ancient history, the initial documented reference to Kumbh Mela dates back to the sixth century, when a Chinese traveller, Xuanzang (Hüan-Tsang), noted a huge crowd of people at the banks of the river Ganges. There are four main Kumbh Melas: 1. Kumbh Mela: Celebrated every four years at one of the four designated locations. 2. Purna Kumbh Mela: Occurs after 12 years based on planetary positions. 3. Ardh Kumbh Mela: Organised every 6 years only in Haridwar and Allahabad. 4. Maha Kumbh Mela: The most significant and the largest of these gatherings, held at Prayagraj after 144 years upon completion of 12 Purna Kumbh. Kumbh Mela 2025 important dates The festival will begin on Makar Sankranti (January 14, 2025) with many pilgrims taking a holy dip in the Sangam and will culminate on Maha Shivratr (February 26, 2025). Important dates to take ritual baths during this period will include: Major Bathing Dates Event 13 January 2025 Paush Purnima 14 January 2025 Makar Sankranti 29 January 2025 Mauni Amavasya 04 February 2025 Basant Panchami 12 February 2025 Maghi Purnima 26 February 2025 Maha Shivratri These dates are important for devotees, as bathing on these sacred days is believed to grant spiritual benefits and cleanse sins. Also Read | Chennai rains: 13 NDRF teams on standby; WFH advised for this week Kumbh Mela 2025 Significance The Kumbh Mela 2025 holds immense significance among Hindus. It is not only a religious gathering but also a celebration of community, culture, and spirituality. The festival serves as a common platform to showcase India’s heritage. It brings together people from different communities and diverse backgrounds, promoting shared values and unity. The rituals, art, and music displayed during the event highlight the deep-rooted traditions of the country, fostering a sense of togetherness among participants. Kumbh Mela 2025 App The Kumbh Mela 2025 app has also been launched to enhance the experience of devotees attending this auspicious festival. Users can access real-time information on schedules, events, and other information, including map routes and transportation options. Mahakumbh2025 app is available in the App Store or Google Play Store. (With inputs from agencies)

Kumbh Mela 2025 Date, Place, Cultural Significance: All you should know about Maha Kumbh

People in India's Maharashtra and Goa will be celebrating the Marathi new year festival known as 'Gudi Padwa' on March 22 and the auspicious time will begin from March 21 at 10:52 pm to March 22 at 08:00 pm. This&nbsp;festival marks the beginning of the spring season in South India. According to the Hindu Calendar, the festival is observed every year on the first day of the Chaitra month. On the same days, South Indian states Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh celebrate Ugadi or Yogadi.&nbsp;

On March 22, there will be a bank holiday in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Significance:

The Gudi Padwa festival marks the start of the Marathi new year, as per the Luni-solar calendar. Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam and Baisakhi in Pujba, are various names of the Hindu New Year based on the Solar calendar.&nbsp;

On this day, people in Maharashtra will hoist flags to Honour Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's victories and devotees will also hoist Gudi as a symbol of Lord Ram's 14-year exile and return.&nbsp;

<h3>Check the details:</h3>

When is Gudi Padwa: March 22, 2023

Auspicious time: March 21 10:52 pm to March 22 08:50 pm.&nbsp;

<h2>Here are some Gudi Padwa messages and wishes to share with your loved ones:</h2>

Gudi Padwa is a day of a new beginning of dreams, hopes and happiness. May this wonderful year bring success, surprises and happiness to you and your family. Have a great Gudi Padwa.

Live love and spread happiness, joy and blessings with all. These are my prayers for you. Happy Guddi Padwa

On this auspicious day of Gudi Padwa may you be endowered with happiness, great health and wealth.&nbsp;

Gudi Padwa is finally here! An important day for you and me. I pray for your goodwill and health. May you be blessed till eternity.&nbsp;

I pray to the almighty that this Gudi Padwa, you and your family are blessed with good health, peace and harmony.&nbsp;

I am missing you this Gudi Padwa. This wish comes from my heart. May you be blessed all through the year.&nbsp;

On this occasion of Gudi Padwa, I wish you and your family a life filled with success, health, prosperity and lots of happiness.

People in India's Maharashtra and Goa will be celebrating the Marathi new year festival known as 'Gudi Padwa' on March 22 and the auspicious time will begin from March 21 at 10:52 pm to March 22 at 08:00 pm.

People in India's Maharashtra and Goa will be celebrating the Marathi new year festival known as 'Gudi Padwa' on March 22 and the auspicious time will begin from March 21 at 10:52 pm to March 22 at 08:00 pm. This festival marks the beginning of the spring season in South India. According to the Hindu Calendar, the festival is observed every year on the first day of the Chaitra month. On the same days, South Indian states Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh celebrate Ugadi or Yogadi. On March 22, there will be a bank holiday in Maharashtra. Significance: The Gudi Padwa festival marks the start of the Marathi new year, as per the Luni-solar calendar. Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam and Baisakhi in Pujba, are various names of the Hindu New Year based on the Solar calendar. On this day, people in Maharashtra will hoist flags to Honour Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's victories and devotees will also hoist Gudi as a symbol of Lord Ram's 14-year exile and return. Check the details: When is Gudi Padwa: March 22, 2023 Auspicious time: March 21 10:52 pm to March 22 08:50 pm. Here are some Gudi Padwa messages and wishes to share with your loved ones: Gudi Padwa is a day of a new beginning of dreams, hopes and happiness. May this wonderful year bring success, surprises and happiness to you and your family. Have a great Gudi Padwa. Live love and spread happiness, joy and blessings with all. These are my prayers for you. Happy Guddi Padwa On this auspicious day of Gudi Padwa may you be endowered with happiness, great health and wealth. Gudi Padwa is finally here! An important day for you and me. I pray for your goodwill and health. May you be blessed till eternity. I pray to the almighty that this Gudi Padwa, you and your family are blessed with good health, peace and harmony. I am missing you this Gudi Padwa. This wish comes from my heart. May you be blessed all through the year. On this occasion of Gudi Padwa, I wish you and your family a life filled with success, health, prosperity and lots of happiness.

Gudi Padwa 2023: Date, significance, auspicious time, wishes and all you need to know about the festival

Every year, Hindus mark the end of a 14 days lunar period in the Hindu calendar (known as Pitri Paksha in Sanskrit) with Mahalaya. It is a day to remember one's ancestors and offer food to birds and animals in honour of one's forefathers.

For Bengalis, this day marks the beginning of week-long festivities- popularly known as Durga Puja which overlaps with Navrati, another Hindu festival celebrating the goddess.

On Mahalaya every year, Indian Bengalis wake up in the wee hours of the morning to listen to the legendary radio broadcaster and playwright, the late Birendra Krishna Bhadra's recitation of the Mahisasuramardini. The audio-play which has over the years been adapted in Hindi for pan-India audiences and included in numerous teleplays has become part of a tradition of the Bengali community.

Now available on Youtube, it is almost ceremonial to play Bhadra's audio-musical in the early hours of the morning on Mahalaya. No matter which part of the world one is in, Bengalis are known to tune in to Bhadra's voice and recitation of the Sanskrit shlokas which herald Durga Puja festivities days later.

While it has become a tradition for all Bengalis to mark Mahalaya with Bhadra's voice, it interestingly has its roots in modern-day technology.

It is actually a radio-induced culture - &nbsp;introduced in 1931 as a programme to give devout Hindus company as they made their way to the banks of River Ganga to perform rituals before sunrise. &nbsp;These rituals, known as 'Tarpan', were performed in honour of one's forefathers.

History of Mahisasuramardini- the play

In 1931, Mahalaya the programme was the first broadcast in Akashvani, Calcutta. The programme was organised by Pankaj Kumar Mallik, Premankur Aatorthi, Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Nripendra Krishna Mukhopadhyay and Raichand Boral- considered stalwarts of AIR, Calcutta.

In the initial years, as the radio play gained popularity, the one hour 30 minutes would typically be performed live at the radio station in Calcutta led by Bhadra's recitation. Some of the most prominent singers of Bengal including Dwijen Mukhopadhyay, Pratima Bandopadhyay, Shyamal Mitra, and Hemant Mukherjee have been part of the audio-musical over the years.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JXDnhN-hPT4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The controversy

Bhadra was briefly replaced in 1976 by the voice of prominent Bengali film actor Uttam Kumar and the programme was renamed 'Durga Durgatiharini' but did not get a favourable response from the listeners as they wanted Bhadra's voice for the occasion. Akashvani eventually brought in the original version recited by Bhadra the next year, and it continues to play every year.

Funnily, while most have grown up listening to Bhadra's recitation believing it to be a part of the tradition, it was in fact a modern-day radio-induced tradition that Bengalis made their own. &nbsp;Mahalaya and Bhadra's voices are synonymous with Durga Puja celebrations. The celebrations seem incomplete without listening to Bhadra's booming voice reciting Sanskrit shlokas. 
 
His recitation has been used massively in pop culture in the last 90 years. Bhadra's voice, the classic audio programme is as integral to the festivities as the days of Durga Puja itself.

With the onset of TV, teleplays enacting the story of how Goddess Durga took charge and killed Mahisasura, the devil king, are played on various channels. Each has its own version of the folklore, but the climax, where the actual battle between the goddess and the demon takes place always has Bhadra's recitation playing in the background, no matter which channel you are tuned into.

In the last 90 years, Bhadra has become an important part of Bengali culture. What started as an invocation of the goddess as a means to keep sleepy devotees awake in the early hours of dawn, has over the years become a culture in itself that no Bengali is ready to let go of. &nbsp;

Every year, Hindus mark the end of a 14 days lunar period in the Hindu calendar (known as Pitri Paksha in Sanskrit) with Mahalaya. It is a day to remember one's ancestors and offer food to birds and animals in honour of one's forefathers.

Every year, Hindus mark the end of a 14 days lunar period in the Hindu calendar (known as Pitri Paksha in Sanskrit) with Mahalaya. It is a day to remember one's ancestors and offer food to birds and animals in honour of one's forefathers. For Bengalis, this day marks the beginning of week-long festivities- popularly known as Durga Puja which overlaps with Navrati, another Hindu festival celebrating the goddess. On Mahalaya every year, Indian Bengalis wake up in the wee hours of the morning to listen to the legendary radio broadcaster and playwright, the late Birendra Krishna Bhadra's recitation of the Mahisasuramardini. The audio-play which has over the years been adapted in Hindi for pan-India audiences and included in numerous teleplays has become part of a tradition of the Bengali community. Now available on Youtube, it is almost ceremonial to play Bhadra's audio-musical in the early hours of the morning on Mahalaya. No matter which part of the world one is in, Bengalis are known to tune in to Bhadra's voice and recitation of the Sanskrit shlokas which herald Durga Puja festivities days later. While it has become a tradition for all Bengalis to mark Mahalaya with Bhadra's voice, it interestingly has its roots in modern-day technology. It is actually a radio-induced culture - introduced in 1931 as a programme to give devout Hindus company as they made their way to the banks of River Ganga to perform rituals before sunrise. These rituals, known as 'Tarpan', were performed in honour of one's forefathers. History of Mahisasuramardini- the play In 1931, Mahalaya the programme was the first broadcast in Akashvani, Calcutta. The programme was organised by Pankaj Kumar Mallik, Premankur Aatorthi, Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Nripendra Krishna Mukhopadhyay and Raichand Boral- considered stalwarts of AIR, Calcutta. In the initial years, as the radio play gained popularity, the one hour 30 minutes would typically be performed live at the radio station in Calcutta led by Bhadra's recitation. Some of the most prominent singers of Bengal including Dwijen Mukhopadhyay, Pratima Bandopadhyay, Shyamal Mitra, and Hemant Mukherjee have been part of the audio-musical over the years. The controversy Bhadra was briefly replaced in 1976 by the voice of prominent Bengali film actor Uttam Kumar and the programme was renamed 'Durga Durgatiharini' but did not get a favourable response from the listeners as they wanted Bhadra's voice for the occasion. Akashvani eventually brought in the original version recited by Bhadra the next year, and it continues to play every year. Funnily, while most have grown up listening to Bhadra's recitation believing it to be a part of the tradition, it was in fact a modern-day radio-induced tradition that Bengalis made their own. Mahalaya and Bhadra's voices are synonymous with Durga Puja celebrations. The celebrations seem incomplete without listening to Bhadra's booming voice reciting Sanskrit shlokas. His recitation has been used massively in pop culture in the last 90 years. Bhadra's voice, the classic audio programme is as integral to the festivities as the days of Durga Puja itself. With the onset of TV, teleplays enacting the story of how Goddess Durga took charge and killed Mahisasura, the devil king, are played on various channels. Each has its own version of the folklore, but the climax, where the actual battle between the goddess and the demon takes place always has Bhadra's recitation playing in the background, no matter which channel you are tuned into. In the last 90 years, Bhadra has become an important part of Bengali culture. What started as an invocation of the goddess as a means to keep sleepy devotees awake in the early hours of dawn, has over the years become a culture in itself that no Bengali is ready to let go of.

Mahalaya: How a 1931 All India Radio programme became a tradition for Bengalis world over

Millions of Hindu devotees converged in the Indian city of Puri city to participate in the Jagannath Rath Yatra. It is a chariot celebration of Lord Jagannath and is being held for the first time in person since the pandemic.

Millions throng for first in-person Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra since pandemic

In pics: Muted Hindu festival Thaipusam observed across southeast Asian regions amid Covid scare

All about Basant Panchami - the festival of spring

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