Mahalaya celebrated with religious fervor

The country’s Hindu community on Thursday 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.

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.

Marking Mahalaya, outgoing High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das inaugurated the programmes at Dhakeshwari National Temple by lighting Mongol Prodip (sacred lamps) at the dawn on Thursday.

Amidst the beating of drums, rituals of Mahalaya began with recitation from holy Chandi. Noted singers performed devotional songs in the morning. A special worship was held at 11am.

Identical programmes were also held at Ramkrishna Mission and Math. Principal of the mission recited verses from Chandi and performed devotional songs.

Gulshan-Banani Puja Udjapan Parishad arranged Chandi Path and cultural function at the dawn at Banani puja mondap. Mahalaya was also celebrated at Swamibagh Loknath Temple, Ramna Kali Mandir, Siddheshwari Kali Mandir, Mirpur Kendrio Mandir and Khamarbari Krishibid Institution premises in the city.

Temples across the country also arranged programmes to celebrate Mahalaya.

With the beginning of Devi Paksha, Mahalaya is observed six days before Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangladeshi Hindu community.

However, this year, the Shardiya Navratri dedicated to Devi Durga will be delayed by about a month owing to the Adhik Mas (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.

On October 22, the Durga Puja will begin with different rituals on the day of Maha Shashthi.