Dhaka, Oct 02 (V7N): The Hindu community across the country celebrated Mahalaya today, marking the auspicious beginning of 'Devi Paksha,' which signals the arrival of Goddess Durga. This year, Mahalaya was observed six days before Durga Puja, following the Hindu calendar.

Mahalaya invites Goddess Durga from her celestial abode at Kailash to her earthly paternal home, accompanied by her children, Laxmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartik. This invitation was extended through the recitation of mantras from Sri Sri Chandi and the singing of devotional hymns at various temples at dawn.

Special Mahalaya rituals were organized at temples nationwide, where devotees paid homage to their ancestors. Hindus performed pujas and offered clothes, food, and sweets to Brahmins in memory of their deceased loved ones.

Tapash Kumar Pal, a leader from the Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, shared that the Dhakeswari temple hosted events featuring puja, devotional music, and a dance drama. Similar celebrations were held in temples across the country.

Durga Puja will officially commence on October 9 with Maha Shasti and conclude on October 13 with the immersion of the idols on Bijoya Dashami. The traditional pre-dawn recitation of Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s iconic Mahishasura Mardini, a collection of songs and mantras, remains a favorite part of the celebration.

Social media was filled with greetings, photos, and videos from the Hindu community, as members of other faiths also joined in extending their well wishes.

According to tradition, this year, Goddess Durga will arrive on a palanquin, symbolizing sickness and disease, and will depart on an elephant, signifying an abundant harvest.

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