Durga Puja 2026 Mahalaya: The Complete Guide to Dates, Rituals, and the Iconic Radio Broadcast Mahalaya 2026 falls on October 10, marking the start of Devi Paksha and Durga Puja festivities. Here's your complete guide to dates, tarpan timings, the iconic Mahishasuramardini broadcast, and what's new in Kolkata this year. Introduction For millions of Bengalis across India and the world, the arrival of Durga Puja is not announced by calendars or advertisements. It is announced by a voice. At 4 AM on Mahalaya morning, that voice—Birendra Krishna Bhadra's—comes through radio sets, YouTube streams, and car speakers, reciting the Chandipath with a resonance that has defined the season for over ninety years . Mahalaya 2026 falls on Saturday, October 10 . It marks the final day of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight dedicated to ancestors, and the first day of Devi Paksha, when Goddess Durga is believed to begin her journey toward Earth . This year brings a notable shift: Mahalaya arrives...
Egg Prices and Bird Flu: Understanding the Connection The rise in egg prices globally has sparked widespread concern among consumers, producers, and policymakers. A significant contributing factor to this phenomenon is the outbreak of avian influenza , commonly referred to as bird flu. This article delves into the interplay between bird flu outbreaks and soaring egg prices , exploring the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to this pressing issue. What is Bird Flu and How Does It Spread? Bird flu is an infectious viral disease that affects birds, especially poultry. It is caused by strains of the avian influenza virus (AIV) , with H5N1 and H5N8 being among the most well-known. This highly contagious disease spreads through: Direct contact with infected birds or their secretions. Contaminated feed or water supplies . Aerosol transmission in confined environments like poultry farms. The rapid transmission of bird flu often leads to large-scale poultry culling to prevent it...