Durga Puja started with Mahalaya on Monday
Ladies dancing as part of the Navaratri celebrations in the city on Monday. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: Durga Puja started with Mahalaya on Monday. For the 10 lakh Bengalis who have made Hyderabad their home, the festival is celebrated with much pomp every year. There are eight to 10 major pandals in the city — near the Ramakrishna Mission, Hitec City, Miyapur and Keyes High School.
Mahalaya marks the beginning of “Devi-Paksha” and the end of Pitri-Paksha. “Pitri-Paksha is said to be the period when, to make amends of not having offered food to his ancestors, Karna was permitted to return to earth for a 15–day period, so that he could perform shraddha and donate food and water in their memory,” explained Avik Neogi, a technical consultant and the member of Utsab Cultural Association based in Hyderabad.
The Association, a 1000-member strong community based out of Gachibowli, is organising Durga Puja for the third consecutive year. Audio streaming for those who miss the Puja ceremonies during the Nava Ratri’s is the latest trend in the city.
On Monday, Mahalaya was streamed throughout the day on the website http://www.bengalisinhyderabad.com/. Live streaming too was done of the festivities for the people who cannot witness it in the city.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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