Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion observed seven days prior to the Durga Puja, which announces the advent of Ma Durga. This occasion marks as the final stage of Durga Puja preparation and is sort of an invitation to the mother goddess to descend on the mortal earth. Chanting of mantras and singing devotional songs accompanies with main message to the deity- 'Jago Tumi Jago' .

Apart from its significance to Durga Puja, during Mahalaya, devotees also offer 'tarpan' in memory of their late forefathers in the banks of River Ganga. The rituals, which are accompanied by offering sweets and clothes the forefathers, start from early dawn and continue till afternoon. Devotees and worshipers buy clothes and sweets to offer to their forefathers.

Some popular songs of Mahalaya

• Jago Tumi Jago
• Baajlo tomar aalor benu
• Akhilo Bimane tob jayagaan
• Subhro Shankho Robe
• Tobo Achinto rup charita Mahima
• Namo Chandi
• Jajangdehi rupangdehi