Hindu devotees celebrated Mahalaya on Sunday, which signals the start of Durga Puja festivities nationwide. Temples echoed with Chandipath recitations and tarpan ceremonies as worshippers honored Goddess Durga through sacred hymns. The autumn morning brought forth Devipaksha, a two-week period devoted to the deity through traditional spiritual practices. Religious tradition describes this day as when the goddess arrives in the earthly realm from her celestial home. This observance serves as both a formal festival opening and a profound spiritual moment for believers.
The celebration initiates the official countdown toward the main Durga Puja events scheduled for late September and early October. Shashthi Puja will take place on September 28, while Bijoya Dashami on October 2 will conclude the festivities as the goddess returns to Kailash. Hindu scriptures identify three significant ceremonial phases within Durga Puja celebrations. These phases consist of Mahalaya, Bodhon, and Sandhi Puja, each marking different spiritual milestones. Ancient stories tell how Goddess Durga received divine authority to battle the demon king Mahishasura during this sacred time.
The celebration initiates the official countdown toward the main Durga Puja events scheduled for late September and early October. Shashthi Puja will take place on September 28, while Bijoya Dashami on October 2 will conclude the festivities as the goddess returns to Kailash. Hindu scriptures identify three significant ceremonial phases within Durga Puja celebrations. These phases consist of Mahalaya, Bodhon, and Sandhi Puja, each marking different spiritual milestones. Ancient stories tell how Goddess Durga received divine authority to battle the demon king Mahishasura during this sacred time.
