The sacred precincts of Shri Shri Sharadiya Durgotsav Triloki Maa Kalibari Samiti at Rajendra Nagar resonated with colour, devotion, and tradition on Vijayadashami. The temple courtyard turned into a vibrant canvas as married women, clad in traditional attire, gathered to play Sindoor Khela, the ritual steeped in centuries-old faith and reverence. In a deeply symbolic gesture, women offered vermilion to Goddess Durga before smearing it on each other’s foreheads, seeking blessings for lifelong marital bliss. The ritual was performed with fervour, accompanied by devotional songs and graceful dance that conveyed both celebration and farewell. The air carried the spirit of both festivity and parting, as devotees bid adieu to the Goddess, who is believed to return to her celestial abode on this day. “The Sindoor Khela is also known as Devi Sindoor Varan,” explained Vivek Bardhan, Secretary of Shri Shri Sharadiya Durgotsav Triloki Maa Kalibari Samiti.

 

“According to tradition, when the Goddess departs from her parental home to her in-laws’ abode, her forehead is adorned with vermilion. Married women, in turn, apply sindoor to one another, exchanging goodwill and invoking the blessing of being Akhand Saubhagyavati.” The ritual, held from 5 pm, witnessed participation not only from the Bengali community but also from women across other communities, underscoring the inclusive spirit of the festival. Dressed in red-bordered saris and adorned with traditional jewellery, they sang devotional songs, performed customary dances, and immersed themselves in the ritual that blends devotion with cultural identity. Beyond the celebration of marital fortune, the ceremony also carried a collective spiritual message. Devotees offered prayers for the welfare of all, invoking the ancient Sanskrit benediction ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ - may all beings be happy.

 

 

The auspicious occasion of Maha Dashami, the final day of Sharadiya Durga Puja was celebrated with religious fervour, with great hope and deep emotion on Thursday as Maa Durga returned to her abode with the eternal promise to come back again. The traditional rituals include Dadhi Karma Puja, Darpan Bisarjan and the most endearing ‘Sindoor Khela’, where married women attired in their spotless white and red bordered sarees celebrated the age-old ritual spreading everlasting message of happiness, living up to the true traditional values of Bengal’s rich culture followed by idol immersion ceremonies at various pandals across the twin city. From twin city’s one of the oldest Bengali Club at Sector-6 Kalibari to the Paschimanchal Durga Puja at Sector-9, Netaji Subhash Club Durgotsav Samiti and several other community venues, the atmosphere was one of both devotion and sorrow. Married women, dressed in red and white sarees, offered sindhoor (vermilion) to the Goddess before playfully applying it to one another. What began with smiles and laughter soon gave way to moist eyes, as many women grew emotional while performing the age-old ritual symbolising marital bliss, prosperity, and the bond of sisterhood. Bulbul Das a devotee said, “Bidding farewell to Ma is never easy. She is with us like a daughter in our home. Today feels like sending her away again.” Tears mingled with sindoor on the faces of several women, capturing the bittersweet essence of the day. As dhak beats and conch shells echoed through the pandals, community members joined in dance and prayers, trying to hold on to the joy of the moment.