AGARTALA, Oct 4 (TIWN): Festival days throughout Tripura has kicked off on Friday as much awaited Durga Puja started with ‘Maha Shashthi’, the day which is believed as Goddess Durga’s arrival on “Marta Lok” (earth). Across the state, specially in urban areas’ each corner sound-boxes have put in high volumes with Bengali songs with Durga puja theme, although in Tripura Hindus, Muslims and all communities regardless Tiprasa and Bengali jointly celebrate these days, which fall in Govt holidays till Laxmi puja. From Agartala Durga Bari to all clubs have observed Shashthi puja in the morning marking a beginning of auspicious Durga puja. Although, Astami is considered as the most auspicious day among 5 days of Durga puja, Maha Sasthi is perhaps the most important day during the Durga Puja. History related to Maha Sashti is on this day Lord Rama’s had worshipped Goddess Durga in order to relief Devi Sita from Ravana’s captivity. Sasti is the sixth day of Durga Puja where the face of Devi Durga is “unveiled”.

Across the clubs, houses, temples where Durga puja is being celebrated today it was held by “unveiling” Goddess Durga’s face.

History related to the worship of Devi Parvati is also connected to the day of Maha Sasthi. This is the day when Parvati or Uma is welcomed on her visit to her father’s house during her 3-day trip.

Devotees thronged to temples, pandals on this auspicious day after taking baths with new, clean attires.

“Bhog” (food offered to Gods/Goddess) were prepared since the morning and with full devotion Goddess Durga was welcomed on earth.

Maha Sashti is also celebrated as the sixth day of Navaratri and is also known as Nava Durga Puja in Shaktheya Sampradaya.

Shashti, as the name suggests, is the sixth day of the month of Ashwin, and is the first official day of Durga Puja. 

The four major rituals of Kalparamba, Bodhan, Amantran and Adhibas begin on this day. Devotees believe that Goddess Durga enters the mortal world on Maha Shashti, after completing her journey in Kailash.