The Hindu community across the country on Thursday (Sep 17) will celebrate the Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion of heralding the advent of goddess Durga.
With the beginning of ‘Devipaksha’, Mahalaya is observed six days before Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community. But, this year, the Shardiya Navratri dedicated to Devi Durga will be delayed by about a month owing to the Adhik Maas (leap month in the Hindu calendar).
Usually, the Devi Paksha commences with Mahalaya Amavasya, but in 2020, the nine-day long festival will be celebrated a month later.
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 Oct 21, the Durga Puja will begin with different rituals on the day of Maha Shashthi.
On the occasion of the day, special programmes of Mahalaya will be arranged at different temples across the country including capital Dhaka on Thursday 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.
Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee arranges a special programme marking the Mahalaya at Dhakeshwari Jatiyo Manidir at 5.30 a.m. Thursday morning. The programme will be telecasted live at Channel 24 from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Similar programmes will also be arranged in different temples in the capital city and across the country, local media reported.
