Today is Mahalaya, the beginning of Devi Paksha, the greatest festival of Bengalees, Durga Pooja.Mahalaya marks the end of Pitra Paksha and beginning of Devi Paksha. It is believed that Maa Durga begins her journey to the earth on Devi Paksha. On this day, people offer prayers betterly known as Tarpan to their ancestors. In Kolkata, large number of people have gathered on the banks of river Ganga to perform Tarpan in the memory of their departed parents since early morning. AIR Kolkata broadcast special traditional morning programme Mahishasur Mardini on the occasion of Mahalaya. Most of the big community pooja organisers are now engaged for last minute preparation to make their presentation as an unique.