Durga Puja 2021: Know Why Sindoor Khela Ceremony Is Celebrated On Dussehra In Bengal

Durga Puja Sindoor Khela 2021: On the last day of Navratri, women from the Bengali community offer vermilion to Maa Durga on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Women performing Sindoor Khela on Durga Puja (Representative Image)

Durga Puja Sindoor Khela 2021: On the last day of Shardiya Navratri, women from the Bengali community offer vermilion to Maa Durga on the occasion of Durga Puja and Dussehra. This ritual is known as Sindoor Khela. It may be noted that on this day, all the married women present in the pandal apply vermilion to each other. It is believed that this festival is celebrated to bid farewell to the goddess. 

Know why the Sindoor Khela ceremony is celebrated on Dussehra.

For the long life of the spouse- On the day of Sindoor Khela, women wish for the long life of their spouse by touching the cheeks of Maa Durga with betel leaves and applying sindoor or vermilion on her forehead. Paan and sweets are then offered to Maa Durga. It may be noted that women celebrate this festival only on the day of Durga Visarjan.

The tradition of Dhunuchi dance- Dhunuchi dance is performed in the Bengali community on the day of Sindoor Khela. Let us tell you that this special kind of dance is performed to please Maa Durga.

Know Its Religious Importance- It is said that the festival of Sindoor Khela was first celebrated in Bengal about 450 years ago before Durga Visarjan. People also believe that by doing so Maa Durga will bless their spouse with a long life.

Maa Durga visits her maternal home- It is believed that during Navratri, Maa Durga comes to her maternal home for 10 days. Therefore, these 10 days are celebrated as Durga Utsav. Then, on the 10th day, Maa Parvati goes to her house, i.e. to Lord Shiva, near Mount Kailash.