Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, people throughout Odisha paid tribute to their ancestors in observance of Mahalaya, which signifies the conclusion of ‘Pitru Paksha’.

Individuals flocked to various water bodies, including seas, rivers, and ponds, to perform ’tila tarpan’ and ‘pinda daan’ rituals.

Significant numbers of devotees were present at Bindu Sagar Tank near the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Narendra Pond at the northern entrance of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and the Baitarani River close to the Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur.

Many devotees also visited the Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur to witness the goddess dressed in white, known as ‘Dhabalamukhi Besha’, which represents ‘Ganga Mata’. The goddess typically wears red attire throughout the year, except during Mahalaya.

The temple opened its doors to devotees at 5 am, anticipating a large turnout.

Mahalaya heralds the start of ‘Devi Paksha’, with the Navaratri festival commencing the day following Mahalaya.

On this occasion, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik extended their greetings to the public.

“Greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the sacred Mahalaya. May everyone’s life be filled with happiness and prosperity by the blessings of Mother Durga,” the governor expressed in a social media update.

Majhi added, “My heartfelt greetings to all on the sacred Mahalaya Amavasya, the occasion for remembering our ancestors. May everyone’s life overflow with happiness, peace, and prosperity during the holy time of Mother Durga’s advent.”