Vijayadashami 2022: With ‘Sindoor Khela' People Bid Farewell To Maa Durga – See Pictures

On Vijayadashami, revellers got into the festive spirit. On the last day of Durga Puja, people flocked to popular Durga Puja pandals throughout Kolkata and West Bengal. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

When the Goddess prepares to leave her mother's abode and return to the Himalaya on Vijaya Dashami, the last day of Durga Puja, a few rites are performed to bid her farewell. Sindur Khela is one such tradition that takes place before the Goddess departs on her journey. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

Because Goddess Durga is a married woman, and vermillion denotes a woman's marital status in India, the Sindur is used to honour the Goddess's married status. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

Sindur Khela represents the strength of womanhood in defending her husband and children from harm. Through the Sindur Khela ceremony, Bengali Hindu ladies pray for a long and happy married life for each other. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

The festival ends on the tenth day (Vijaya Dashami), when devotees lead a procession to a river or other body of water and immerse the worshipped clay sculpture-idols, symbolising her return to the divine cosmos and her marital home with Shiva in Kailash. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

Today is the last day of the ten-day festival of Navratri. The day is known as Durga Visarjan, and it has a very special meaning. On this day, those who have been worshipping Goddess Durga for nine days immerse the idol. It is performed at an appropriate time, either during Aparahna or Pratahkala, while Dashami Tithi is in effect. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

Durga Puja is celebrated for 15 days during the Ashwin lunar month, according to the Hindu calendar. Shardiya Navratri began on September 26 this year and concluded on the day of Dussehra, today, with Durga Visarjan. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

Durga Puja is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Durga Puja also includes Lord Shiva's worship as Goddess Durga's consort, an aspect of Goddess Parvati herself. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

Lord Rama, according to Puranic legends, worshipped Goddess Durga before going to war with Ravana. Before going to war, Lord Rama is said to have performed Chandi Homa and sought the blessing of Goddess Durga. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

According to Devi Mahatmya, the Durga Puja festival commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. As a result, the Durga Puja festival is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

People perform 'Devi Baran' to bid the Goddess farewell. The priest performs 'Ghat visarjan,' officially concluding the Puja. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

While the Mother Goddess' departure is an emotional moment for many, it is also a time for celebration as She leaves after slaying the demon. (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)

The festivities continue in Bengal as the period leading up to Diwali is known as 'Bijoya.' During this time, people greet each other with 'Shubho Bijoya,' and the younger ones touch the elders' feet, while men do a 'kolakuli (hug).' (Image Source: Utsa Ganguly)