Dhaka, Oct 10 (V7N)- Mahalaya, marking the end of Pitri Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, is being observed across Bangladesh on Saturday as devotees begin the countdown to Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community.
From the early hours of the morning, devotees gathered at temples and riverbanks to perform traditional rituals, including Chandipath, devotional singing and tarpan to pay homage to deceased ancestors.
Mahalaya is traditionally regarded as the occasion when the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth is announced. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga emerged from the combined divine energy of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar to defeat the demon Mahishasura and restore peace.
One of the day's principal observances is Pitritarpan, in which devotees offer water, sesame seeds and other traditional offerings in memory of their ancestors. The ritual was performed at riverbanks, water bodies and temples in Dhaka and other parts of the country.
In the capital, special religious programmes were held at prominent temples and religious institutions, including Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramna Kali Temple, Jagannath Hall at Dhaka University, Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Baradeshwari Kalimata Temple and Siddheshwari Temple.
The observance of Mahalaya signals the approach of the main Durga Puja celebrations. According to the festival calendar, Mahashashthi will be observed on October 16, followed by the main rituals and festivities, with Vijaya Dashami scheduled for October 21.
According to traditional astrological beliefs, Goddess Durga will arrive on Earth riding a horse and depart by boat this year. These symbolic modes of arrival and departure are interpreted differently within Hindu religious traditions.
A total of 33,851 puja mandaps are expected to be organized across the country, according to the figures provided for this year's celebrations. Preparations are underway at temples and temporary puja venues as devotees get ready for the festival.
The government has also extended the Durga Puja holiday period. Government offices will remain closed from October 20 to 22, and the holidays will combine with the regular weekend on October 23 and 24 to provide a five-day break.
With Mahalaya observed, the Hindu community's preparations for Durga Puja are entering their final phase, bringing religious ceremonies and festive activities to communities across Bangladesh.
END/SMA/AJ
