# Significance of Sindoor Khela and Dhunuchi Naach on Vijayadashami

> The vibrant ritual of Sindoor Khela is celebrated on Vijayadashami across West Bengal and other regions before the immersion of Goddess Durga idols. Married women apply vermilion to each other to pray for marital bliss and prosperity.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Religion · **Published:** 2026-10-20 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/religion/significance-of-sindoor-khela-and-dhunuchi-naach-on-vijayadashami-49656 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Sindoor Khela, Durga Puja, Vijayadashami, Dhunuchi Naach, Devi Boron, West Bengal

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.

## What this means for you
This festival preserves cultural unity and traditional rituals, fostering a vibrant celebratory atmosphere among local communities.

- **Across India:** Bengali communities and other devotees residing in various states participate enthusiastically in these traditional celebrations. The event strengthens communal bonding and cultural connectivity.
- **In West Bengal:** Large crowds gather across pandals and local fairs on Vijayadashami throughout the state. Local authorities implement special arrangements for security, traffic management, and idol immersion processions during this period.

## Why this happened
This festival is celebrated annually through a combination of mythological beliefs and cultural traditions.

- **Mythological belief:** According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Durga concludes her visit to her maternal home and returns to Mount Kailash on this day.
- **Cultural heritage:** Dating back nearly 400 years, this tradition is regarded as a symbol of female power and marital prosperity in Bengali society.
- **Social evolution:** Positive changes in society over time have made this ancient ritual increasingly inclusive for all women.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. When is the ritual of Sindoor Khela performed?
This ritual is performed on Vijayadashami just before the immersion of Goddess Durga idols.

### 2. What is Devi Boron?
Devi Boron is a farewell ritual where women touch the face of the goddess with betel leaves and offer her sweets and vermilion.

### 3. How old is the tradition of Sindoor Khela?
The tradition of Sindoor Khela rooted in Bengali culture is considered to be approximately 400 years old.

### 4. What is the significance of Dhunuchi Naach?
Devotees dance in front of Goddess Durga holding pots filled with burning frankincense and coconut husks as an expression of devotion.

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