Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of the Hindu community's largest religious festival, Durga Puja, is being observed across the country amid festivities today (10 October).

From early morning, temples across the country resonated with Chandipath, tarpan rituals and devotional hymns in praise of Goddess Durga.

The serene autumn dawn ushered in Devipaksha, the fortnight dedicated to the goddess, through the traditional recitation of sacred verses.

Mahalaya, considered the ceremonial invocation of Goddess Durga, is observed seven days before the start of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community.

Hindus believe the earth prepares itself to welcome the goddess and her children through the celebration.

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

From this day, the countdown to Durga Puja begins.

This year, Shashthi Puja will be celebrated on 17 October, while Bijoya Dashami on 21 October will mark the goddess's departure for Kailash.

Scriptures mention three major milestones of Durga Puja — Mahalaya, Bodhon and Sandhi Puja. On Mahalaya, Goddess Durga receives the divine mandate to defeat the demon king Mahishasura.

Empowered by the combined forces of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, she emerges as 'Mahashakti', adorned with ten weapons and riding a lion, ultimately slaying Mahishasura after a nine-day battle.