The worship of divine feminine power concluded with Navami, and preparations are underway nationwide to celebrate Dussehra on October 20. This year, Durga Puja was celebrated on a massive scale across West Bengal. Just before the immersion of Goddess Durga idols on Vijayadashami, the distinct ritual of Sindoor Khela takes place in Bengal. According to mythological beliefs, Goddess Durga visits her parental home on Earth during Navratri and returns to Lord Shiva's divine abode on Vijayadashami. With this emotional sentiment, special farewell rituals are organized on the final day of Durga Puja.
The Ritual of Devi Boron and Applying Vermilion
During the tradition of Sindoor Khela, married women offer vermilion to the feet and forehead of Goddess Durga's idol. Following this, they apply vermilion to one another, praying for happiness, good fortune, and prosperity. During this ceremony, the face of the goddess is gently touched with betel leaves to bid her an emotional farewell, a practice formally known as Devi Boron. After offering vermilion to the deity, women smear it on each other's foreheads, cheeks, and faces, wishing for lifelong marital harmony and well-being.
Attire and Cultural Representation
Women traditionally dress in white sarees featuring broad red borders and wear traditional bangles during the celebration. In Bengali culture, Sindoor Khela represents female power, unity, and great enthusiasm. The tradition of this ritual dates back approximately 400 years. Over time, it has expanded far beyond Bengal, reaching Bengali communities residing in different parts of the country and abroad.
Social Evolution and Dhunuchi Naach
Historically, widows, transgender individuals, or divorced women were excluded from participating in this festival, but social progress in recent years has allowed all women to take part in Sindoor Khela. Alongside this, Dhunuchi Naach is performed, a dance form that is gradually gaining popularity nationwide. It is believed that this traditional dance pleases Goddess Durga. During the goddess's farewell in Bengal, prominent celebrities in Mumbai also participate on a large scale in the Sindoor Khela festivities.
Significance of Key Rituals
Traditions such as Sindoor Khela, Dhunuchi Naach, and Devi Boron hold profound importance during Durga Puja. Sindoor Khela takes place on Vijayadashami when married women wish for a blissful married life after offering vermilion to the goddess. In Dhunuchi Naach, devotees dance in front of Goddess Durga while holding earthen pots filled with burning frankincense and coconut husks, expressing deep devotion and reverence. Meanwhile, during Devi Boron, women offer sweets, betel leaves, and vermilion to the goddess as a symbolic farewell, representing a daughter returning from her parental home.
