AGARTALA, Sep 28 (TIWN): The weeklong countdown for the biggest festival-Durga Puja starts on Saturday with the auspicious occasion Mahalaya marking the start of Devi-Paksha (Fortnight of the Goddess). In this holy morning, Mahalaya was celebrated across the state Tripura with a lot of pomp and gaiety. Like other temples’ lakes, in the age-old Laxmi Narayan Bari also traditional “Tarpan” was offered. Tarpan comes from the word ‘Trup’ which means satisfying or pleasing others.

Pitru Tarpan is a way of gratifying the ancestors and freeing them from any unfulfilled desires so that they can complete their journey to the heavenly abode with peace, satisfaction and happiness.

A vast number of people from different parts of the state Tripura took a holy dip and performed worship to their departed ancestors on the occasion ‘Mahalaya’, this morning. Besides, special prayers and Pujas were also performed by the devotees at the temples here in Tripura.

Mahalaya also marks the end of the 'Pitri-paksha'. The traditional six day countdown to Mahasaptami started today. Goddess Durga starts her journey towards earth on the day of Mahalaya, the first day of Devi-Paksha. The first day of Navaratra starts just after the Mahalaya celebration.

The day started with lakhs of people paying obeisance to their forefathers on the banks of Howrah, Gomati and other major rivers early morning rendition of ‘Mahisasura Mardini’ (a collection of shlokas and songs dedicated to Goddess Durga) aired on All India Radio (AIR).