Pujo Guide
বাংলাEnglish

Home / Puja stories /

Mahishasura Mardini: the programme that makes Mahalaya complete

Every Mahalaya dawn this programme plays on radios in Bengali homes. Here is when it began, who made it, and what happened in 1976.

Last checked: Β· 3 sources

How it began

The programme was first broadcast on Mahalaya in 1931 from Akashvani, Calcutta, which is All India Radio. Many other AIR stations across India now carry it too. (Source: Wikipedia, Mahisasuramardini (radio programme))

It airs every year at dawn on Mahalaya, and many listeners tune in around 4 am. (Source: Wikipedia, Mahisasuramardini (radio programme))

The people behind it

Birendra Krishna Bhadra is the voice behind the programme: he recites the verses and narrates the story of Durga's descent to earth. The script is by Bani Kumar and the music by Pankaj Mullick. (Source: Wikipedia, Mahisasuramardini (radio programme))

Bhadra was born on 4 August 1905 and died in Calcutta on 3 November 1991. He worked for All India Radio and, from the early 1930s, produced and adapted several plays. (Source: Wikipedia, Birendra Krishna Bhadra)

The programme is a collection of shlokas and songs. We do not reproduce the verses or lyrics here, so do listen to it yourself. (Source: Wikipedia, Birendra Krishna Bhadra)

What happened in 1976

In 1976 the actor Uttam Kumar's voice was used, under the title Durga Durgatiharini. Listeners did not respond favourably, and the broadcast went back to Bhadra's original version. (Source: Wikipedia, Mahisasuramardini (radio programme))

The episode shows how closely many listeners tie the programme to Bhadra's voice.

Mahalaya in 2027

Drik Panchang's list shows Mahalaya 2027 on Wednesday, 29 September, Bhadro Krishna Amavasya. (Source: Drik Panchang, Bengali calendar 2027 (Kolkata))

πŸ’‘ To catch it live, set an alarm the night before and keep a radio or phone ready. Check Akashvani Kolkata's announcement for the exact broadcast time and channel.

Questions

When was Mahishasura Mardini first broadcast?
On Mahalaya in 1931, from Akashvani, Calcutta.
Who recited the Mahalaya Chandi Path on radio?
Birendra Krishna Bhadra; the music is by Pankaj Mullick and the script by Bani Kumar.
Did Uttam Kumar replace Birendra Krishna Bhadra on Mahalaya?
In 1976 an Uttam Kumar version, Durga Durgatiharini, was aired, but audience response was poor and Bhadra's original version was restored.
When is Mahalaya in 2027?
Wednesday, 29 September 2027, per Drik Panchang.
What time does Mahishasura Mardini start on Mahalaya morning?
It airs at dawn and many listeners tune in around 4 am; check All India Radio's announcement for the exact time.

Durga Puja 2027Calendar 2027Mahalaya greeting cardsKolkata pujasBelur Math guideAmavasya 2027

More stories

Sources