October 5, 2023: Mahalaya usually marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities. Mahalaya marks the end of the Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha.

Mahalaya is the day when the goddess Durga is believed to begin her journey from Mount Kailash. Devotees wake up early in the morning on Mahalaya to recite hymns from the Devi Mahatmya (Chandi) scripture. Hindus perform tarpaṇa by offering water and food to their dead ancestors.

Durga Puja is a Hindu festival which pays homage to the Hindu goddess Durga. It is celebrated because of Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Durga Puja is a ten day festival in the month of ‘Ashwin’ (September –October). This year, the celebrations will begin from October 20 - 24, 2023.

This year, Mahalaya which is also also known as Sarva Pitra Amavasya, will be celebrated on October 14. After Mahalaya, the preparations for Durga Puja begin. Artisans and craftsmen begin crafting idols of Goddess Durga.