Dashami means Uma's turn to return home and tears in the eyes of Bengalis. Durga Puja is not just a festival for them, but another name for emotions. So, after getting the new calendar in their hands, the first day that Bengalis look forward to is Durga Puja.
Durga Puja means a festival of joy, devotion and union. Starting from Sashti, Goddess Durga is worshipped for four days. Then comes Vijaya Dashami. That day when feelings of sadness are mixed with joy. Goddess Durga will return to Kailash from her father's house. There is a special tradition before this farewell. After welcoming Maa Durga, women indulge in Sindur Khela. But why is Sindur Khela celebrated after welcoming her during Durga Puja? Where did this tradition come from?
The ritual of Sindur Khela
On the morning of Dashami, before the immersion of Goddess Durga, married women offer vermilion at the feet of Maa Durga. In fact, the goddess is worshipped here not as a mother but as a daughter. Therefore, vermilion is played with the wish that the vermilion may be inexhaustible and that family life may always be happy. After that, the married women apply vermilion on each other's foreheads, chins and cheeks. The entire atmosphere is filled with laughter and joy. They indulge in the Sindur Khela.
Why is Sindur Khela celebrated?
In Indian culture, vermilion is a symbol of good fortune and marital life. Married women wear vermilion on their wedding rings to pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Therefore, offering vermilion at the feet of the goddess means that devotees pray to her for the well-being of the family and a happy home life.
Mythological interpretation
Sindoor is a symbol of Brahma. Indians believe that Brahma removes all the hardships of life and fills us with joy. Indians believe that when you wear sindoor on your forehead, Brahma resides on your forehead. This is why many people believe that playing sindoor on Dashami is a tradition.
The pain and joy of farewell
The main theme of Dashami is farewell. Maa Durga comes to her father's house for four days, then returns to Kailash. To overcome the pain of this farewell, women enjoy playing vermilion through joy and union. Through this, they pray that the family remains intact with the blessings of the mother, and that the union be eternal.
Symbol of family prosperity
The vermilion game is not only a colorful festival, but also symbolic. Red vermilion is a symbol of strength, prosperity, love, and vitality. When women apply vermilion to each other, they wish each other happiness, marital bliss, and prosperity.
Social gathering
Another great aspect of the vermilion game is the bonding and bonding between women. There is no difference in age or social status during this time. Everyone paints themselves in the same color, which becomes a symbol of equality and brotherhood in the society.
Even today, playing vermilion is an essential part of Bengali culture. Although the ritual is traditionally performed by married women, in many places, unmarried women and even men join in the fun. As a result, it is no longer just a religious ritual, but has become a social festival.
Sindoor Khela in West Bengal
In some parts of West Bengal, Sindoor Khela is celebrated before Vijayadashami. In Dubrajpur, Sindoor Khela is celebrated on Mahasaptami. 'Navapatrika' bath and the following rituals are performed on the forehead of the Sindoor Devi. After this, married women play Sindoor. In the village of Bijra near Memari in East Burdwan district, the family pujaris of the Ghosh and Basu families celebrate Sindoor Khela on Mahashtami. Its tradition is about 500 years old. After the pujas of the Mahashtami ceremony, all the married women of the village celebrate Sindoor Khela. Many people from the surrounding areas come to Bijra village to watch this event.
Every year, popular actresses from Kolkata, including Tollywood actresses, participate in the Sindoor Khela at the Lohapatti Puja Mandap in Maniktala Chaltabagan.
