The origins of Durga Puja can be traced back to ancient Indian scriptures. According to legend, Mahishasura was a demon blessed by Lord Brahma with a boon that prevented him from being defeated by any man or god. As a result, he became increasingly powerful and caused distress among the celestial gods.
In response to the gods’ plea for help, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva came together to create Goddess Durga, endowing her with their combined supreme powers to battle Mahishasura
A fierce battle ensued between Mahishasura and Goddess Durga. To ensure victory, the demon took the form of a buffalo. After ten days of intense combat, Durga decapitated the buffalo and defeated Mahishasura in his true form.
Durga Puja is celebrated to honor this great battle that spanned ten days. It is believed that during this time, Goddess Durga, along with her children, visits her parental home. Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day, marks the triumph of good over evil.
On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees bring idols of Goddess Durga home and worship her for five continuous days.
These days are celebrated with great joy and festivity. People decorate their homes, invite friends, family, and neighbors, and visit Puja pandals. On Vijaya Dashami, after five days of celebration, devotees immerse the idol of Durga in water (Durga Visarjan).
Each day of Durga Puja is marked with special rituals. Bengalis worship Durga in her form as Mahishasura Mardini (Slayer of Mahishasura) during these auspicious days.
Priests offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Goddess. Pushpanjali is one of the most important rituals, where devotees offer flowers while chanting holy mantras. Many families also perform Aarti by lighting lamps in front of the Goddess.
Priests offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Goddess. Pushpanjali is one of the most important rituals, where devotees offer flowers while chanting holy mantras. Many families also perform Aarti by lighting lamps in front of the Goddess.
Another important ritual is Sandhi Puja, performed at the juncture between Ashtami (eighth day) and Navami (ninth day). It is believed that this is the moment when Durga finally defeated Mahishasura.
The entire community seems to come together in prayer, filling the air with deep devotion. Along with prayers and rituals, devotees prepare a variety of dishes and offer Bhog to Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya.
On the final day of Durga Visarjan, married women participate in Sindoor Khela, a vibrant and joyful ritual.
Before the immersion of the idol, vermilion (sindoor) is first offered to the Goddess. Then, women smear sindoor on each other and seek blessings from elders for a long and happy married life.
With Vijaya Dashami, the joyful celebrations of Durga Puja come to an end, and devotees bid an emotional and grand farewell to the Goddess. Sindoor Khela is one of the most iconic rituals of this day.
Before immersing the idol in water, married women apply sindoor to the feet and forehead of the Goddess, and then smear it on each other. They pray for the long lives of their husbands and the well-being of their children
The exact origin of Sindoor Khela is unknown, but mythologically, it began around 200 years ago in Zamindar households during Durga Puja.
It is believed that a woman participating in Sindoor Khela would be protected from widowhood.
The ritual symbolizes the power of womanhood in protecting the family from harm and is believed to foster peace and resolve conflicts.
According to Drik Panchang, the Sindoor Khela festival in 2025 will be observed on October 2nd, 2025.
Dashami Tithi will begin at 7:01 PM on October 1st, 2025 and end at 7:10 PM on October 2nd, 2025.
Sindoor Khela is a cherished tradition of Durga Puja, especially in West Bengal. It marks the conclusion of the festival on Vijaya Dashami, when the idols are immersed.
In the evening, married women apply vermilion (sindoor) to one another in a joyful celebration known as Sindoor Khela.This is followed by exchanging sweets and warm greetings of “Bijoya”. Kola-kuli (hugging) is a gesture shared among men as well.
Women celebrate this ritual to protect their families and bring prosperity. Sindoor is considered a symbol of marital fortune. Thus, participating in this ritual is believed to empower women and strengthen the sanctity of marriage. It also symbolizes Shakti (feminine power) and promotes harmony and togetherness
Join hands with us in keeping tradition alive. Whether you’re a long-time devotee or a first-time visitor, your presence adds joy to our festivities.
