LUCKNOW, Oct. 11 -- The Mahishasuramardini Stotram and Chandi Path filled the morning air as members of the Bengali community in the city tuned in to their radios, while others listened on television and mobile phones to mark Mahalaya on Saturday. Among the most cherished recordings that continue to captivate listeners is the iconic rendition by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Mahalaya marks the transition from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha. According to belief, Goddess Durga begins her journey from the mountains to the plains on this day, accompanied by her children, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, and goddesses Saraswati and Lakshmi. The occasion falls about seven days before the start of Durga Puja. On Mahalaya, people wake up early, get ready and listen to the Mahishasuramardini Stotram and Chandi Path. Some recite the verses themselves and introduce younger generations to the festival and its traditions. Many also tune in to Bangla radio stations, with some setting their radios the previous night to ensure they do not miss the morning broadcast. Amid the beats of tabla and pakhawaj and the sound of conch shells, devotees gathered at Kalibari, Ghasyari Mandi, to listen to the Mahishasuramardini Stotram and Chandi Path. Directed by Kaveri Banerjee, the rendition was presented by artists from the Geeti Chando group. Abhijit Sarkar, president of the Board of Trust, and Gautam Bhattacharya, president of the Managing Committee, were also present on the occasion. htc...