Shubho Mahalaya! Time to welcome mother goddess Durga

ThinkStock Photos (For representational purpose only)

Just as the Pitru Paksha is about to get over, the time has come to welcome our Mother Goddess Durga—and celebrate the Matri or Matra Paksa, which begins with Mahalaya. For Bengalis across the globe, Durga Puja is the biggest festival and Mahalaya marks the day when it is believed that the goddess comes down to earth with her family.

Like in North India, the nine-day long festival of the goddess is called Navratri, for Bengalis, Durga Puja is a five-day long festivity which is starting from October 7 this year. It is the victory of good over evil and is revered by all across the globe.

Mahalaya officially marks the beginning of Durga Puja. This year the date is September 30. It is believed that the artists making Devi's murti, paints the eyes of the goddess on Mahalaya.

Here is the complete Durga Puja 2016 calendar:

Mahalaya—September, 30 2016

Panchmi—October 6, 2016

Shashthi—October 7, 2016

Saptami--October 8, 2016

Maha-Ashtami—October 9, 2016

Maha-Nabami—October 10, 2016

Dashami—October 11, 2016

Lakshmi Puja--October 15, 2016

Kali Puja—October 29, 2016

Shubho Mahalaya!