Mahalaya today
The Hindu community in the country is celebrating Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion heralding the advent of goddess Durga, today.
With the beginning of “Devipaksha”, Mahalaya is observed seven days before Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bengali Hindu community.
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 devotional songs. Countdown of Durga Puja begins with the celebration of Mahalaya.
On October 15, Durga Puja will begin with different rituals on the day of Maha Shashthi.
Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee is arranging special programmes of Mahalaya at Dhakeshwari National Temple, starting at 5:30am today. Noted singers are performing at the programme.
Similar programmes are also being arranged at different temples in the capital and across the country. Gulshan-Banani Sarbajanin Puja Parishad is arranging programmes at dawn on the Banani ground.
Sanatan Samaj Kalyan Sangha is also celebrating Mahalaya through different programmes at dawn on the premises of Krishibid Institution.
On this day, Hindus remember and pay homage to the deceased ancestors by performing a puja, and offering Brahmins clothes, food and sweets in their name.
Comments