The Bangalee Hindu community in Bangladesh will celebrate the Mahalaya on Monday (Oct 8) as elsewhere in the world, the auspicious occasion heralding the advent of goddess Durga.
With the beginning of ‘Devipakkho’, Mahalaya is observed seven days before Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community.
Mohalaya 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 Mohalaya.
On Oct 15, the Durga Puja will begin with different rituals on the day of Mohashashthi.
On the occasion of the day, Mohanagar Sarbajani Puja Committee will arrange special programmes of Mohalaya at Dhakeshwari National Temple in the morning. The country’s noted singers will perform in the programme.
Similar programmes will also be arranged in different temples in the capital city and across the country. Gulshan-Banani Sarbajani Puja Parishad will arrange programmes at dawn on the Banani ground.
Sanatan Samaj Kalyan Sangha will also celebrate the Mohalaya through different programme at dawn on the premises of Krishibid Institution.
On this day, Hindus remember and pay homage to the ancestors who have died by performing a puja, and offering Brahmins clothes, food and sweets in their name.
