When is Sindoor Khela-2025 during Durga Puja this year? What is the significance of this unique tradition
In West Bengal, the Durga Puja festival is especially grand. On the last day of this festival, known as Dashami, the idol of Goddess Durga is immersed in water.
On this day, a special tradition called Sindoor Khela takes place in many parts of India. In Bengal, married women celebrate Sindoor Khela on Vijayadashami, the final day of Durga Puja, by applying vermilion (sindoor) to each other and to the goddess. Sindoor Khela is also celebrated in other parts of India including Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh.
In 2025, Sharadiya Navratri started on Monday, September 22, and Durga Puja will end on Vijayadashami, which is Thursday, October 2. The Sindoor Khela will be celebrated on this day October 2.
Sindoor Khela is a joyful ritual performed only by married women. It is a sacred occasion where they seek blessings from Goddess Durga. This day also marks the goddess's departure back to Mount Kailash. Women pray for the long life of their families and husbands as they say goodbye to the Goddess.
Women offer sindoor and betel leaves to Goddess
First, married women offer vermilion and betel leaves to the idol of Goddess Durga. This is like presenting her with wedding items before bidding her farewell. After offering vermilion to the Goddess, women apply vermilion to each other.
An occasion to receive the blessings of Goddess
'Sindoor Khela' is considered an occasion to receive the blessings of Goddess Durga. This tradition ensures happiness, prosperity, and marital bliss in women's lives. This day marks the departure of Goddess Durga, so as they bid her farewell, women pray for the long life of their families and husbands.
People perform Dhunuchi Dance
The ritual of 'Sindoor Khela' has been going on for 450 years. This tradition originated in West Bengal. On the last day of Navratri, people from the Bengali community perform the Dhunuchi Dance to appease the Goddess.
These days, this tradition is no longer limited to Bengal; Sindoor Khela is celebrated with great pomp and show wherever the Bengali community lives, both in India and abroad.