Mahalaya - the solemn beginning of the Durga Puja

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A holy duty that I have to perform in our foster home for orphans is pray for the departed parents. Many people come to our orphanage to serve food to our children for the sake of peace of their departed parents. Last Saturday, a family visited our home to serve lunch with an intention that our children would pray for their departed mother. I conducted a short prayer service for the departed soul and her family. Tomorrow, it's Mahalaya, the last day of praying for the departed parents ( pitri paksh). Many would go to the riverside to pray and offer Puja for the peace of the souls of their ancestors. Mahalaya also rings in the matri paksh ( mother's fortnight ). Our children are excited and they will wake up at 4 in the morning to watch the special programs of Durga's fight against the demons( asuras) on the TV . Going with many ceremonies the real worship of the Goddess Durga will begin on the sixth day of the fortnight.(October 9) Children are excited for another reason as well. They will be going for their annual holidays on the sixth day. It's the most festive season of Bengal and an air of joy is already in the atmosphere.