Mahalaya, an auspicious occasion that heralds the advent of Goddess Durga, will be celebrated on Wednesday through different rituals by Hindu community across the country.
With the beginning of 鈥楧evipaksha鈥�, Mahalaya is observed six days before Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community.
Marking the day, special programmes of Mahalaya will be arranged at different temples, including the capital, at dawn.
The Hindus will remember and pay homage to their ancestors, who passed away, by performing puja, and offering the Brahmins clothes, food and sweets in their names.
Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee will hold a special programme marking the Mahalaya at Dhakeshwari National Temple at 6.30am. Similar programmes will also be arranged in different temples across the country.
Although Durga Puja will formally begin on October 9, on the day of Maha Shasti, the advent of Goddess Durga, will be heralded Wednesday.
Countdown of Durga Puja begins with the celebration of Mahalaya.