Mahalaya observed with traditional rituals

Mahalaya, an auspicious occasion that heralds the advent of Goddess Durga, was celebrated in the dawn today at temples across the country through different rituals and cultural events.

Mahalaya marks the ending of Pitru Paksha (the dark fortnight dedicated to ancestors) and beginning of Devi Paksha (the divine fortnight).

On this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey from her home in Kailash to her paternal abode on Earth, which is celebrated as the Durga Puja festival.

Dhakeshwari National Temple hosted a one-hour long special programme at the beginning of Devi Paksha between 6am and 7am.

Indian high commissioner in Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi attended the inaugural ceremony when a mongol pradip (sacred lamp) were lit up by the invited guests.

A group of singers, dance and recitation artistes performed a special programme featuring recitation from Sree Sree Chandi and devotional songs.

Later, til-tarpan offering seeking eternal peace of departed souls of ancestors and Mahalaya ghat installation were held while special prayers were also held on the premises of the national temple.

Besides, various rituals were also held at various temples in the capital including Mahalaya Ramna Kali Mandir, Gulshan Banani Sarbajanin Puja Foundation, Uttara Sarbajanin Mandir and Siddheshwari Kali Mandir.

Hindus remembered and paid homage to their late ancestors by performing puja and offering robes to Brahmins.

On this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey from her home in Kailash to her paternal abode on Earth, which is celebrated as the Durga Puja festival.

Dhaka University Jagannath Hall Upashanalaya chief priest Sadhan Chakrabarty explained that Goddess Durga will arrive on a horse (Ghotak) and departs by a boat this year.

As Bijaya Dashami falls on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, meaning she departs by a Nauka (Boat), which traditionally signifies abundant crops and rainfall (shasyashyamala vasundhara).

The most popular attraction of Mahalaya is chanting mantras from holy Sree Sree Chandi and singing devotional songs, highlighting the power and supremacy of Goddess Durga over all evil forces.

Sonorous recorded voice of legendary narrator and radio broadcaster Birendra Krishna Bhadra from Akashbani was once the main attraction of the recitation.

Now similar programmes are aired from many broadcasting media.

Recorded version of Mahishasura Mardini (destruction of evil force Mohishasura) is customarily played at the predawn of Mahalaya day in every Bengali Hindu residences in Bangladesh and Indian state of West Bengal.

The countdown for Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the country's Hindu community, begins with celebration of Mahalaya across the country.

Durga Puja will formally begin on October 16 with Maha Shashthi Puja to be followed by Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and will come to an end with immersion of idols on Bijaya Dashami on October 21.