30 Sep : Mahalaya, the auspicious day before the seven day countdown to the time honoured festival of Hindus, Durga Puja, started on Monday by invoking life in to the idol of Maa Durga with colours.
It is an invitation to the mother goddess to rise, awake and descend on earth and annihilate the evils of the world by her Supreme Goodness – Jago Tumi Jago, Jago Durga.
People chant mantras and shlokas and sing devotional songs to bring Goddess Durga to life and this day of Mahalaya ushers in the aura of Durga Puja.
The day of Mahalaya is also called the day of Remembrance when people offer Tarpan in memory of their deceased forefathers.
The banks of River Ganges in India are crowded with many priests who perform Tarpan for several devotees from all around the country in groups.The rituals start from early dawn and last till mid-day.
Devotees and worshipers observe a fast since morning and offer food, water, clothes and sweets to their forefathers.