Agartala , Oct 02, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala Oct 02: The dawn of Devi Paksha, Mahalaya, that symbolizes the arrival of Goddess Durga, saw a huge gathering of common people in the streets of Agartala who came out for a morning stroll or ride with their near and dear ones.

The day holds a great significance among the people, especially those belonging to Hindu community as it sets the tone for most awaited Durga Puja festivity.

Unlike other years, this year the gathering of people in College Tilla area of the state capital was eye catching.

Talking to Tripura Times, the pedestrians noted that the crowd this year was noticeable larger, compared to 2023.

“No matter we come out for a walk on regular mornings or not, leaving our precious sleep or work, Mahalaya morning walk is an emotion. We make it sure to make a proper plan with our friends, set alarm and positively come out for a walk”, said a 16-year-old girl who came out with her friends group.

Mahalaya is also important as it is the last phase of the year to pay honours to ancestors.

Wednesday morning, to seek blessings from their ancestors, continuing the annual ritual with devotion and reverence, citizens performed the traditional Mahalaya Tarpan at Lakshmi Narayan Dighi.

A priest at Lakhsmi Narayan Bari Temple said, “On Mahalaya Amavasya also called Sarva Pitri Amavasya, tarpan ritual is performed by male members of the family, to pray for peaceful rest of the soul’s of their ancestors”.

Meanwhile, people who did not come out of their homes enjoyed ‘Mahisasurmardini’, in their TV sets, a drama that depicts the invocation of Goddess Durga who was brought forth by a number of Gods to defeat the demon-Mahisasura.

Also, Bengali families still having a radio set woke up early morning to listen Birendra Kishore Bhadra’s narration of goddess Durga’s victory over Mahisasur, maintaining their long-term treasured custom.