Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion observed seven days before the Durga Puja, and heralds the advent of Durga, the goddess of supreme power.The traditional six day countdown to Mahasaptami starts from Mahalaya. It's a kind of invocation or invitation to the mother goddess to descend on earth - "Jago Tumi Jago". This is done through the chanting of mantras and singing devotional songs. Goddess Durga visits the earth for only four days but seven days prior to the Pujas, starts the Mahalaya.From this day starts 'Devipaksha' and marks the end of 'Pitri-paksha'.
