Mahalaya celebrated with religious fervour

The country’s Hindu community on Wednesday celebrated the Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion of heralding the advent of goddess Durga, with due religious fervour and enthusiasm.

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

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

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

On October 11, Durga Puja will begin with different rituals on the day of Maha Shashthi.

On the occasion of the day, special programmes of Mahalaya were arranged at different temples across the country including the capital since morning.

On this day, Hindus remember and pay homage to their ancestors, who passed away, by performing puja, and offering Brahmins clothes, food and sweets in their name.

Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee arranged a programme marking the Mahalaya at Dhakeshwari National Temple at dawn.