The Hindus in the country have been celebrating the Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion heralding the advent of goddess Durga.

Mahalaya, a ceremonial invocation of goddess Durga, is observed seven days prior to the initiation of the Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community.

Hindus believe the earth prepares itself and welcomes the coming of the Goddess and her children, through the celebration.

Durga Puja will begin on October 3 with different rituals on the day of Maha Shashthi.

Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee has arranged special programmes of Mahalaya at Dhakeshwari Temple.

On this day, Hindus remember and pay homage to the deceased ancestors by performing a puja, and offering Brahmins clothes, food and sweets in their name.