Kolkata: Lakhs of people in the state on Monday paid obeisance to their forefathers on the banks of major rivers on the occasion of `Mahalaya.`
The day signifies the end of `Pitripaksha` after which the Devipaksha` starts when, according to lore, Goddess Durga begins her journey to Earth culminating to Durga Puja.
River banks were thronged by lakhs of people who paid obeisance and several puja organisers brought out religious processions on the occasion.
The day also marks the completion of 80 years of the very popular `Mahisasuramardini`, the longest running early dawn special radio programme aired by Akashvani.
Mahisasuramardini is a recitation of scriptural verses devoted to Goddess Durga and broadcast of Bengali devotional songs. It was aired for the first time by All India Radio in 1932.
With Durga Puja six days away, artists and clay-modellers were also burning the midnight oil to give finishing touches to the goddess` idols.
PTI
