Durga Puja 2023: What is Sindoor Khela? Date, History and Significance – Durga Puja is one of the most anticipated festivals for the Bengali community and is celebrated in Eastern India. During the festival, The cities are lightened for these five days, and at every corner, there is a uniquely designed pandal or themed pandal.
The festival concludes on the day of Vijay Dashami, with the goddess bidding farewell. While people get ready for the visarjan (immersion), the women celebrate a symbolic ritual known as Sindoor Khela. In 2023, The ritual is observed on Tuesday, October 24.
What is Sindoor Khela?
Bengali women, usually adorned in white sarees with red borders, start the rite by performing Devi Baran to give a farewell to the goddess. They perform an arti and use sindoor on the goddess’s forehead and foot one by one and present her with sweets.
Why Married Bengali Women Play Sindoor Khela?
It is believed that celebrating this ritual will get good luck for them and a long life for their spouses. Sindoor (vermillion) is an orange or red powder prepared traditionally from lime, alum, and turmeric.