what is mahalaya in hindi

Mahalaya is a Hindu festival celebrated before Durga Puja, which marks the beginning of the festival. It is celebrated mainly by Bengali communities in India. The festival is considered a special thread that connects the living with the dead. Mahalaya is also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which means the new moon day to pay homage to all ancestors. On this day, people offer prayers and perform rituals to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings. The festival is celebrated on the Amavasya tithi of the Ashwin month of the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in September or October.