Puri/Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees from several parts of the State made a beeline to Jagannath temple in Puri today to pay homage to their forefathers on the occasion of Mahalaya.

As per tradition, the devotees performed Tila Tarpan and Pind Daan rituals for their forefathers on Baishi Pahacha of the centuries-old temple. The devotees also offered special prayers to their ancestors on the occasion.

Besides, huge number of people thronged Bindusagar pond near Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar to perform the Mahalaya Shradha. Some people also performed the Pind Daan rituals in their respective houses.

Mahalaya marks the end Pitru Paksha and beginning of Devi Paksha. It also marks the advent of goddess Durga on Earth