Here Are 5 Ways To Celebrate The Beginning Of Durga Puja On Mahalaya

The day of Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja for Bengalis. As the final preparations are underway to welcome the Goddess, there are many ways by which you can spend the day in a memorable way.

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Goddess Durga never comes empty-handed; there is joy, prosperity and blessings for everyone. No wonder, it is one of the most-awaited and rejoiced festivals of India. The auspicious day of Mahalaya marks the beginning of the celebrations and on this day, the entire city of Kolkata is submerged in festivities. Mahalaya isn't just about performing ancestral rituals and singing hymns to Durga. There are much more and further amazing ways in which you can spend your day. Here are 5 things to do on Mahalaya to make the pre-Durga Puja celebrations memorable. 

1. Tarpan

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Among all other things you can do besides overwatching the splendorous pandals, Mahalaya marks the ritual of Pitri Paksha. It is the ceremony of offering homage to our ancestors by serving water and flowers to the river. Wake up early and visit any Ganga Ghat; you will be mesmerised with the sunrise view and the chantings. Not just that. Howrah and Princep Ghat organises special cruises for people to enjoy the tarpan ritual. 

2. Away From The City

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Away from the city, into the green paddy fields and the white kaash phool blooms, you can listen to the golden voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra chanting the Devi Jagaran. Kolkata Explorers are organizing this amazing trip to the Sundergram village where you can celebrate Mahalaya early morning at 04:00 AM. This one of the most memorable experiences which you will ever have. 

3. Go On A Culinary Trail

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Time for Durga Puja 2019 special meals. From authentic Bengali cuisines to customized European and American delicacies, there is nothing which doesn't come with amazing discounts. Special discounts on traditional food can be enjoyed at 6 Ballygunge Place, Bhojohori Manna, Kasturi, Koshe Kasha, Oh! Calcutta. Rang de Basanti Dhaba, Cafe Mezzuna, Aaheli and many more places extend chef's curated meals on that day. 

4. Night River Cruising

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Some of the renowned river cruising companies start Durga Puja special cruises for you to enjoy the grand celebrations of this city from the river Hooghly. On the day of Mahalaya, the cruise takes you all-around the major river banks where you can witness the vibrant pandals and lightings along with a guide who keeps telling you about the theme of the place. For a cost of around 1000 bucks per head, the cruises will let you enjoy the sight along with food and drinks on the go. 

5. A Trip To Kumartuli

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Mahalaya marks the beginning of the festivities and Kumartuli is swarming with people. Choosing the best idols are their pandals is indeed a competition. But, you can surely enjoy the sight of the sculptors crafting and splashing a final touch to the array of idols. Many travel agencies in the city are conducting Mahalaya special tours to Kumartuli where you can witness the Goddess in making.