The Mahabharat war started on the Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi. With the first ray of the Sun, the Kaurava and Pandava armies were ready to write history.
Kauravas had 11 Akshauhini sena means 24,05,700 Warriors and
Pandava had 7 Akshauhini sena means 15,30,900 warriors.
Duryodhana, the leader of the Kauravas army made Bhishma Pitamah the commander-in-chief Whereas Yudhishtir made Dritdhyumna-brother of Draupadi the commander-in-chief.
First day Formation
On the first day of the war and for the all following days, the Kaurava army stood facing west and the Pandava army east. Yudhishthira and Arjuna arranged their army in the Diamond(Vajra) formation, whereas Ten akshauhinis of the Kaurava Army were arranged in Sarvatomukhi Dand vyuha and the eleventh was put under the immediate command of Bhishma also to protect him as well. Duryodhana has put all his hope on the shoulder of Bhishma.
Gita Updesh
As the two sides were ready to fight, Arjuna asked Krishna to take his chariot in the middle of the two armies, as he wanted to see his opponents. Seeing Pitamah Bhishma, Guru Drona, and other relatives on the other side, Arjuna lost his will to fight the war. He said to Krishna that, just for the kingdom I am not ready to fight against my own family. This time Krishna reminds him about his duties with the teachings of Bhagavat Gita. He asked Arjuna to fulfill his dharma as Kshatriya. Arjuna was inspired and energized after listing the words of Krishna and was ready to fight.
Yudhishthira took the blessings of elders
Before the war started, Yudhishthira, dropped out his weapon, took off his armor approached Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and Shalya to get their blessings and permission to fight a war against them. All four blessed him and granted their permission to fight.
Yuyutsu Joined the Pandava army
After that Yudhishtir declared that, anyone wants to change the side was free to do so. Upon hearing this, Yuyutsu, the half-brother of Duryodhana joined the Pandava army.
Battle Begins
As the war started, both parties attacked very fiercely. Pandava’s army was under fierce attack from Bhishma. Bheema and Arjuna were also causing havoc in the Kaurava army.
Satyaki rushed against Kritavarma. The battle between these two was fierce in the extreme. The son of Shubhadra, Abhimanyu battled with Brihadbala. Dushashana and Nakula fought with each other. Dhrishtadyumna rushed against Drona. Ghatotkacha encountered the Rakshasa Alambusha. Bhishama clashed with Arjuna and Bhimasena with Duryodhana. In a fierce battle Uttar – son of Virat was slain by Shalya, his brother Sveta was greatly upset. He gave a very fierce fight to Srutakarama and later also he clashed valiantly with seven maharathas of the Kauravas but was finally slain by Bhishma.
End of the Day – 1
At the end of the first day, Pandava lost almost 10,000 soldiers and two brave Virata princes, Uttar and Sweta. The first day ended in the Favour of Kauravas.