Mahalaya today

Mahalaya, an auspicious occasion that heralds the advent of Goddess Durga, will be celebrated today through different rituals by Hindu community members across the country.

Mahalaya marks the ending of Pitru Paksha (the dark fortnight dedicated to ancestors) and beginning of Devi Paksha (the divine fortnight). 

On this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey from her home in Kailash to her paternal abode on Earth, which is celebrated as the Durga Puja festival. 

Dhakeshwari National Temple hosted a one-hour long special programme at the beginning of Devi Paksha at 6am today.

Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee general secretary Suvasish Kumar Biswas Sadhan said the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi is expected to attend the ceremony.

Til-tarpan offering seeking eternal peace of departed souls of ancestors will be held at 7:30am while Mahalaya ghat installation and special prayers will be offered at 9am on the premises of the national temple, he added.  

Besides, Ramna Kali Mandir will also host a large scale Mahalaya celebration in the dawn on Saturday, said Mintu Basu, a joint secretary of the temple management committee. Mahalaya marks the ending of Pitru Paksha (the dark fortnight dedicated to ancestors) and beginning of Devi Paksha (the divine fortnight).