Sindoor Khela: A Joyous Tradition Of Durga Puja Celebrations With A Fascinating History
Sindoor Khela began 450 years ago, and since then, it has become an indispensable part of the Durga Puja celebrations.
Sindoor Khela, a cherished tradition of Durga Puja, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in West Bengal. This age-old festival is a mark of bidding adieu to the beloved mother goddess. The festivities surrounding Navratri, a nine-day celebration, are extremely grand and colorful.
The splendor of Navratri can be witnessed throughout the country, but the beauty that Bengal brings to this festival is unparalleled. The pandals are decorated in traditional ways, and various ceremonies, including aarti and worship, are held in them.
The grandeur of the evening aarti during Durga Puja is a sight to behold. With drums, conch shells, dance, and song, devotees celebrate the presence of the mother goddess. A unique feature of this festival is the tradition of Sindoor Khela.
On the 24th of October this year, the day commences with Maha Aarti. After offering prayers, devotees offer dishes like Kochur, Shaak, Ilish, Panta Bhaat, and more to the mother goddess. This Prasad is distributed among everyone. To bring prosperity and joy to their homes, a mirror is placed in front of the deity, reflecting her feet.
This is followed by the Sindoor Khela, where married women apply vermilion on the forehead and feet of the goddess and then on each other. The women ignite their spirits further with the Dhunuchi dance. This is the time for them to celebrate the farewell of their beloved mother goddess.
According to mythology, Sindoor Khela began 450 years ago, and since then, it has become an indispensable part of the Durga Puja celebrations. The festival of Durga Puja celebrates the arrival of the mother goddess in her maternal home for ten days.
The festivities culminate on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, with the immersion of the idols. With customs and traditions passed down through generations, the celebrations of Durga Puja and Sindoor Khela continue to unite families and communities in a bond of love and devotion towards the mother goddess.
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