Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Brothers and sisters, I am making a special announcement today. This year's Mahalaya (celebration of Divine Mother) will be held on October 13. This date corresponds to the 25th of Ashwin according to the Bengali calendar. This is a special occasion because there is a solar eclipse on this particular day. The Mahalaya ceremony will begin at 10 PM and conclude at dawn.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We have been celebrating Mahalaya for the past thirty-two years. This is a tradition that honors the Divine Mother in her various forms. During this festival, we perform specific rituals: Mora Puja (peacock worship), Chita Puja (worship of the cremation pyre), and various other ceremonies. These rituals are performed with devotion and spiritual intention.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In previous years, we made traditional offerings including fish and meat as part of the rituals. However, after we performed the Maha Mrityunjaya Yajna (a major ritualistic sacrifice for conquering death), we discontinued these particular offerings. Now, our Mahalaya celebration follows a strictly vegetarian approach. This represents a spiritual evolution in how we honor the Divine Mother.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I must inform you that due to health concerns, I may not be as actively involved in this year's celebration as I have been in previous years. My participation will be limited. However, the temple and our devoted community will ensure that the festival proceeds with all the proper rituals and spiritual care.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The expense of hosting the Mahalaya festival is considerable. Each year, we spend approximately one lakh rupees (100,000 rupees) to maintain the quality of the rituals and feed our guests. This expense is met entirely through the contributions of our disciples and devotees. The temple operates without any monetary collection from visitors, so we depend on the voluntary offerings of those who wish to support this sacred celebration.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I extend a warm invitation to all of you—devotees, friends, members of the legislative assembly, and all people of good faith—to join us for the Mahalaya celebration. This is not merely a celebration of the Divine Mother; it is a gathering of the community, a time to renew our spiritual connections and receive blessings. Your presence and participation will add to the sanctity of the occasion.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The Mahalaya festival is one of the most important events on our spiritual calendar. It is a night vigil beginning at 10 PM and ending at dawn, filled with prayers, rituals, and the collective devotion of all who attend. We hope to see you there on October 13.