Senior Correspondent.TOD.Balurghat
At first light on Saturday, October 10, 2026, devotees gathered along the Kalyani Ghat of the Atrai River in Balurghat to perform til tarpan, a traditional Hindu ritual of offering water and sesame seeds in remembrance of deceased ancestors, as Mahalaya ushered in the auspicious period preceding Durga Puja.The riverbank in South Dinajpur district witnessed a steady stream of worshippers from the early hours of the morning. Carrying sesame seeds and water, devotees performed rituals and offered prayers in accordance with long-standing religious traditions observed on Mahalaya.
According to Hindu belief, the ritual of til tarpan on this sacred day expresses reverence for departed ancestors and seeks their blessings for the family. The observance holds particular significance in Bengal, where Mahalaya marks the transition towards the festive season and the beginning of Devipaksha, the period associated with the worship of Goddess Durga.A priest at the ghat said the number of devotees performing the ritual appeared to be higher than last year, contributing to increased activity along the riverbank throughout the morning.
With large crowds gathering near the water, the district administration stepped up security arrangements to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth conduct of the religious observances.Police personnel were deployed at the ghat to monitor the situation and manage the gathering. A Civil Defence rescue team was also kept ready to respond to emergencies. In addition, a speedboat patrolled the river as part of the safety measures.The arrangements were intended to ensure that devotees could perform their religious duties without disruption while minimising the risks associated with crowds near the river.For many in Balurghat, Mahalaya is a day of remembrance, reflection and spiritual preparation ahead of Bengal's biggest annual festival.
At Kalyani Ghat, the sight of devotees offering tarpan against the backdrop of the flowing Atrai River lent the morning a solemn and devotional atmosphere.The gathering brought together two defining aspects of the occasion: the enduring tradition of honouring departed family members and the administration's efforts to safeguard those observing the rituals.As the festive season approached, the banks of the Atrai became a focal point of faith and remembrance in South Dinajpur, reflecting Mahalaya's deep-rooted place in Bengal's religious and cultural life.
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