Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion that heralds the beginning of Durga Puja festivities, is being observed across the country on Sunday with traditional fervour and spiritual devotion.

From early morning, temples and households resonated with Chandipath — the sacred recitation of verses in praise of Goddess Durga — as well as tarpan rituals offered by devotees in memory of their ancestors. The tranquil autumn dawn marked the onset of Devipaksha, the divine fortnight that leads to the arrival of the goddess.

According to Hindu mythology, Mahalaya signifies the descent of Goddess Durga from her heavenly abode to the mortal world. It is both the spiritual beginning of Durga Puja and a moment of deep cultural significance for the Hindu community.

This year`s Durga Puja celebrations will begin with Shashthi Puja on September 28, culminating in Bijoya Dashami on October 2, when devotees bid farewell to the goddess as she returns to her celestial home on Mount Kailash.

Scriptures identify Mahalaya as the first of three major milestones in Durga Puja, followed by Bodhon and Sandhi Puja. On this day, Durga receives the divine command to vanquish the demon king Mahishasura. Empowered by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, she manifests as Mahashakti — the great warrior goddess, armed with ten celestial weapons and riding a lion.

Mahalaya not only marks the countdown to the grand festivities but also reinforces the eternal message of good triumphing over evil — a theme central to the Durga Puja celebrations.