Bhopal: A glimpse of Bengali tradition at Kalibari Durgotsav, Amitabh Bachchan's granddaughter Navya Nanda participates in 'Sindoor Khela' ritual.
A unique glimpse of Bengali culture was witnessed on Wednesday at Kalibari in Bhopal's TT Nagar on the occasion of Durga Puja. Before bidding farewell to Goddess Durga, Bengali women performed the traditional "Sindoor Khela" ritual. Amitabh Bachchan's granddaughter, Navya Nanda, also attended the event and had darshan of the Goddess. A large number of families participated in the celebration.
Married women offered vermillion to Mother Goddess and received blessings for eternal happiness and then applied vermillion on each other's foreheads.
Sindoor Khela is celebrated as the end of the Devi Paksha. On the first day of Navratri, the Bengali community brings Maa Durga to Kalibari in the form of a daughter, where she is worshipped with rituals. At the end of the Durga festival, the mother is bid farewell like a daughter. On this occasion, women offer vermilion to the goddess and later apply vermilion to each other, praying for the long life of their husbands. This tradition is called 'Sindoor Khela'.
Sindoor Khela Ritual and Dhunuchi Dance
Traditionally, women offer vermilion to Goddess Durga and then apply vermilion to each other's foreheads, praying for their husbands' long life and good fortune. Women from the Bengali community also perform the Dhunuchi dance, which involves the use of coconut and havan materials. This Shakti dance is performed to enhance the energy and power of Goddess Bhavani.
Inspiration for the Killing of Mahishasura
The Dhunuchi dance is rooted in ancient legends. According to the Puranas, Mahishasura was extremely powerful, and Goddess Bhavani performed this dance before killing him. Through this Shakti dance, the Goddess is worshipped and her power is honored.
A 400-Year-Old Tradition
'Sindoor Khela' is a nearly 400-year-old tradition in Bengali society. On the first day of Navratri, Goddess Durga is welcomed as a daughter and ritually worshipped. At the conclusion of the Durga festival, women offer vermilion to the Goddess and apply vermilion to each other, praying for their husbands' long life and happiness and prosperity.