Hindus celebrate Mahalaya with religious fervor  - The

Mahalaya, an auspicious occasion that heralds the advent of Goddess Durga, was celebrated today through different rituals by members of Hindu community across the country. Mahalaya marking the beginning of 'Devi Paksha' was celebrated in Bangladesh six days ahead of Durga Puja this year as per Hindu calendar. Countdown of Durga Puja began with the celebration of Mahalaya.Through Mahalaya celebration, Hindu devotees invited Goddess Durga from Kailash (heaven) to her paternal home Earth, along with her children Laxmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik. This invitation was extended through the chanting of mantras from Sri Sri Chandi and singing of devotional songs at temples in the dawn. Marking the day, special programmes of Mahalaya were arranged at different temples across the country....