Mahalaya is being observed today

Mahalaya, marking the beginning of the Sharadiya Durgotsav, is being observed on Sunday (September 21), with religious fervour and devotion across the country.

The day holds great significance in the Hindu calendar as it marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha and the commencement of Devi Paksha, ushering in the Sharadiya Navaratri and heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga.

The day is marked by the recitation of 'Chandipath', inviting the Goddess to descend to the mortal world and prepare for the grand celebrations of Durga Puja.

Mahalaya is a pivotal event in the Durgotsab cycle, considered the first phase of the three major rituals of Durga Puja—Mahalaya, Bodhan, and Sandhi Puja.

According to the Puranas, on this day, Goddess Durga is entrusted with the divine task of defeating the demon Mahishasura, who had overpowered the gods and sought dominion over the universe. To defeat him, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva created the invincible power of Mahamaya in the form of Durga, who, armed with the divine weapons of the gods, vanquished Mahishasura after a nine-day battle.

Mahalaya is observed on Amavasya, the new moon day, which begins at 1:02am IST on September 21 and concludes at 1:42am IST on September 22.

The observance of Tarpan, a ritual in which water, sesame seeds, and food are offered to ancestors, begins at dawn on Mahalaya. It is believed that the souls of departed ancestors return to the mortal world on this day. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek blessings for the peace and well-being of their ancestors.

Though Durga Puja officially begins on September 28 with Shashthi Puja, Mahalaya marks the start of the festivities, with temples and puja committees organising various programmes. Notable observances will take place at the Central Puja Mondop of Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Baradeshwari Kalimata Temple, Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University, Siddheshwari Temple, and other puja mandaps, where 'Chandipath' and special pujas will be conducted.

This year, Home Affairs Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that Durga Puja will be celebrated at 33,576 mondops nationwide, an increase from the previous year. Of these, 255 mondops are located in Dhaka city.

Additionally, the government has increased its grant by Tk 1 crore, ensuring the smooth conduct of the festivities.