Durga Puja 2024: When is Sindur Khela? Why Do Married Women Play? History, Rituals, and Significance

The auspicious Durga Puja comes to an end with Vijayadashami as devotees bid goodbye to the goddess with a grand celebration. One of the most significant rituals of Vijayadashami is Sindur Khela. The ritual holds a special significance for married women and marks the last celebration before Maa Durga’s idol is immersed in water. During Sindur Khela, married women apply vermillion to the Goddess’ forehead and feet, and then smear it on each other. While doing so, they also pray for the long lives of their husbands and children.

Sindur Khela 2024: Date

In West Bengal, Vijayadashami is not always celebrated on the same day as in other states. When it differs, it usually falls one day later. According to Drik Panchang, Bengal Vijayadashami will be observed on October 13.

Sindur Khela: History And Significance

The exact origins of Sindur Khela are unclear but folklore suggests that it began around 200 years ago during the Durga pujas of zamindar houses. It is believed that when a woman takes part in Sindoor Khela, she will be protected from becoming a widow. This ritual also symbolises the strength of women in protecting their families from harm and is thought to help resolve disputes and promote peace.

Why Do Married Women Play Sindur Khela?

Married women celebrate Sindoor Khela in the hope of prosperity, and protection for their family. Vermilion or sindoor is considered an auspicious symbol of married life. Thus, smearing it strengthens the power of women’s holy matrimony. It also encourages friendship and represents the power of womanhood.

Sindur Khela Rituals

Durga Puja holds significant relevance in the Bengali community as it is believed that Goddess Durga visits her parents, mother Menoka and father Giriraj, along with her children – Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, Goddess Saraswat and Goddess Laxmi — for four days, enjoying a variety of bhogs. As Dashami approaches, it is time for her to return to her husband, Lord Shiva.

For the farewell, Bengali married women dress in beautiful traditional sarees and jewellery during Sindur Khela. The ritual begins by applying sindoor on the forehead and feet of Goddess Durga before smearing it on each other.

Following this, married women perform another ritual called Devi Boron where they say goodbye to the goddess by drawing a betel leaf on their palms and touching it to Goddess Durga’s face.

This act symbolises wiping away her tears as she prepares to leave her parents and join her husband. Sindoor is first applied to her forehead, followed by her bangles (shakha and pola), and sweets are offered.

After the rituals, married women apply the sindoor to each other’s foreheads and faces while feeding each other sweets. Sindur Khela also encourages friendship among the women and creates a joyful atmosphere. Finally, the idol of Maa Durga is carried by devotees to a water body for immersion.