Dhaka:Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion signaling the arrival of Goddess Durga, was celebrated at dawn today in temples nationwide with a variety of rituals and cultural events. This day marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, the period dedicated to ancestors, and the commencement of Devi Paksha.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Dhakeshwari National Temple hosted a special one-hour program marking the start of Devi Paksha from 6 am to 7 am. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi, attended the ceremony, where a sacred lamp was lit by invited guests.
Participants, including singers, dancers, and recitation artists, performed a special program featuring recitations from Sree Sree Chandi and devotional songs. Offerings seeking peace for the souls of ancestors and Mahalaya ghat installations were conducted, alongside special prayers on the temple grounds.
Various rituals took place at other temples in the capital, such as Mahalaya Ramna Kali Mandir, Gulshan Banani Sarbajanin Puja Foundation, Uttara Sarbajanin Mandir, and Siddheshwari Kali Mandir. Hindus honored their ancestors by performing puja and offering robes to Brahmins.
Dhaka University’s Jagannath Hall Upashanalaya chief priest, Sadhan Chakrabarty, noted that this year, Goddess Durga arrives on a horse and departs by a boat on Bijaya Dashami, which falls on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. This departure signifies abundant crops and rainfall.
Mahalaya's main attraction is the chanting of mantras from the Sree Sree Chandi and singing devotional songs showcasing Goddess Durga's power over evil forces. Birendra Krishna Bhadra's recorded recitations were once a highlight, and now, similar programs are broadcast by various media.
The recorded version of Mahishasura Mardini is traditionally played at the predawn of Mahalaya in Bengali Hindu homes in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The celebration of Mahalaya marks the countdown to Durga Puja, the largest Hindu religious festival in the country, starting on October 16 and concluding with Bijaya Dashami on October 21.