Mahalaya Amavasya marks the end of Pitru Paksha period and beginning of the homecoming of Goddess Durga. A most significant ritual associated with Mahalaya is the painting of Goddess Durga's eyes, which officially kickstarts Durga Puja rituals. Though artisans start preparing the goddess' idols months before Durga Puja, Mahalaya is the day when the eyes of her idols are painted.