BSS, Dhaka :
The country’s Hindu community yesterday celebrated the Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion of heralding the advent of goddess Durga, with due religious fervor 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.
Similar programmes were also arranged in different temples in the capital city and across the country.
A special programme was also arranged at 5.30am at Banani Puja Mandap marking the day.
At the initiative of the Board of Directors of Sri-Sri Lokenath Brahmachari Ashram O Mandir, a clothing distribution ceremony among helpless people was held on its premises in the city’s Swamibagh area.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder was present as the chief guest at the function.
Lawmaker and President of Ashram O Mandir Parichalona Parishad Pankaj Debnath presided over the function.
