The First Ever Mahalaya Broadcast: What Really Happened in 1931

If you grew up in Bengal (or anywhere with Durga Puja vibes), you know this scene: it’s still dark, you’re half asleep, but a familiar chant floats through the air “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu…” and suddenly, goosebumps! It’s Mahalaya morning, the sacred dawn that signals the end of Pitri Paksha and the arrival of Devi Paksha. But have you ever wondered how it all began?Let’s take a trip back to 1931, when a single radio broadcast changed the way we welcomed Goddess Durga forever.

It was 1931. The Indian Broadcasting Company (which would later become All India Radio) was still new. A group of visionaries decided to create something extraordinary for Bengalis, a program that would mark the spiritual transition from Pitri Paksha to Devi Paksha. The result was Mahishasura Mardini, a dramatic blend of Chandi Path recitations, music, and narration. Birendra Krishna Bhadra, with his powerful, baritone voice, became the soul of the program. His narration was so evocative that listeners felt as if they were right there, watching the battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura unfold.
The Voice That Awakened a Goddess and a Nation, Birendra Krishna Bhadra never appeared on screen, but his voice became immortal. His chants of the Chandi, mixed with the music of Pankaj Mullick, stirred emotions so deep that people began setting alarms just to tune in. Even today, decades later, millions across the world still wake up at 4 AM on Mahalaya morning to listen whether on All India Radio, YouTube, or streaming apps. His voice is not just nostalgia; it’s the official sound of Durga Puja’s countdown.

What’s fascinating is that Mahishasura Mardini is not just a religious program, it’s a piece of cultural history.
For 90 minutes, it takes listeners through a journey of devotion, courage, and cosmic drama. Sound effects mimic the battle, devotional songs praise the Goddess, and the chants summon divine energy. It’s almost cinematic, except it all plays out in your mind.
This combination of audio storytelling and spirituality is why Mahalaya feels just as magical today as it did 94 years ago.
Here’s something many don’t know: in 1976, All India Radio tried to replace Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s voice with the suave narration of actor Uttam Kumar. It caused massive outrage, people felt something sacred had been lost. The decision was reversed, and Bhadra’s version was brought back the next year. This moment proved that Mahalaya is not just a broadcast, it’s an emotion.

So why do we still do it? In a world of instant entertainment, why do millions still wake up before sunrise to listen to a decades-old radio program? Because Mahalaya is more than a habit, it’s collective nostalgia, faith, and a spiritual reset button. It marks the exact moment when Goddess Durga is believed to descend to Earth. Families still gather, some light incense, some sit quietly, others just listen and let the chants wash over them. For a few moments, the entire community is united in devotion from Kolkata to California.
Back in 1931, families huddled around bulky radio sets with crackling signals. Today, the same program is available on YouTube, podcasts, streaming apps, and even AI-generated playlists. Yet, the essence remains unchanged. Mahalaya is the sound of autumn mornings, the smell of shiuli flowers, and the promise of Durga Puja.
Mahalaya isn’t just about history or religion, it’s a bridge between generations. It’s the same goosebumps your grandparents felt when they first heard Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s voice. So, this Mahalaya, when you wake up at 4 AM, remember, you are part of a 94-year-old tradition that started with a single broadcast in 1931 and became immortal.
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1. What is the significance of Mahalaya?
   Mahalaya marks the end of Pitri Paksha (fortnight dedicated to ancestors) and the beginning of Devi Paksha (fortnight of the Goddess). It’s believed to be the day when Goddess Durga starts her journey from Mount Kailash to Earth, making it the spiritual countdown to Durga Puja.
2. Who was Birendra Krishna Bhadra and why is his voice iconic?
   Birendra Krishna Bhadra was an Indian radio broadcaster, playwright, and narrator best known for his recitation of the Chandi Path in Mahishasura Mardini, the legendary Mahalaya program. His deep, devotional voice has become inseparable from Mahalaya morning and continues to be broadcast every year.
3. When was the first Mahalaya broadcast?
   The first Mahalaya broadcast was aired in 1931 by All India Radio (then Indian Broadcasting Company). It was an innovative audio drama combining devotional recitations, music, and storytelling, a tradition that continues to this day.