Mahalaya being celebrated to herald the beginning of Durga Puja

Hindus across Bangladesh are celebrating Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion that heralds the advent of Goddess Durga on Wednesday.

With the beginning of ‘Devipaksha’, Mahalaya is observed six days before Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community.

Marking the day, special programmes of Mahalaya is being arranged at different temples, including the capital.
The Hindus will remember and pay homage to their ancestors, who passed away, by performing puja, and offering the Brahmins clothes, food and sweets in their names.

Although Durga Puja will formally begin on October 9 on the day of Maha Shasti, the advent of Goddess Durga, will be heralded tomorrow.

Mahalaya marks an invitation of sorts to goddess Durga to begin her journey from Kailash to her paternal home (earth), along with her children.

This invitation is extended through the chanting of mantras from Sri Sri Chandi and singing of devotional songs.
Countdown of Durga Puja begins with the celebration of Mahalaya.

On 13 October it will come to an end with the immersion of idols on the day of Bijoya Dashami.