Mahalaya 2026: Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Mahishasuramardini Recital Marks Durga Puja Start
Mahalaya, observed on 10 October 2026, marks the start of Devi Paksha leading to Durga Puja. Central to this tradition is the Mahishasuramardini radio programme, featuring Birendra Krishna Bhadra's iconic narration, which has been broadcast since the 1930s. Airing at 4 am, the recital combines Sanskrit verses, devotional songs, and storytelling of Goddess Durga's battle with Mahishasura. It remains a cherished ritual in Bengali homes, symbolizing the festive season's beginning and ancestral remembrance.
First-hand measurement across 3 sources
We measured how 3 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (58/100). Lens Score 31/100.
Outlets measured: economictimes, timesnow, news18. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (50–78/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
news18 broke this story on 9 Oct, 05:32 am. Other outlets followed.