Mahalaya Begins

Mahalaya begins on the Amavasya (new moon day) in the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in September or October. It marks the start of the Durga Puja festivities, leading up to the Mahashtami celebration.

Mahalaya is significant for its connection to ancestor worship (Pitru Paksha), where devotees perform shraddha rituals to honor their ancestors. It is also believed to be the day when Goddess Durga descends to the Earth, and people begin preparations for the Durga Puja celebrations.