Shawdesh Desk: The Bangali Hindu community in Bangladesh, like elsewhere in the world, have been celebrating the Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion heralding the advent of goddess Durga.

With the beginning of ‘Devipaksha’, Mahalaya is observed seven days before Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community.

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 October 4, the Durga Puja will begin with different rituals on the day of Maha Shashthi.

On the occasion of the day, special programmes of Mahalaya have been arranged at different temples across the country including capital Dhaka this 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.