Sindur Khela at Chaltabagan Puja

On Saturday the 8^th of October there would be a Sindur Khela at the Chaltabagan Durga Puja.

As the Durga Puja festivities come to an end people rejoice and celebrate Bijoya Dashami, the day that is celebrated each year symbolising the victory of good over evil.

But the mood across pandals soon turn sombre as it is time to say good bye to Maa Durga, who, according to legends, is believed to return to her abode in Mount Kailash with her family following the Bisarjan or the immersion in the Ganges.

It is the time to say good bye to Maa Durga through the customary Sindur Khela. Bengal women folk (especially the married) come out to smear vermillion on each other in ritualistic fervour by converging in temples and pandals bidding farewell to Maa Durga. The women adorn themselves in traditional dresses offering vermilion at the feet of the Goddess and then smear each other with the red vermilion, wishing long life for their husbands and peace and prosperity for their families.

I have requested the wife of the Governor of West Bengal, Mrs Padmini Narayanan, to be the Chief Guest besides some of my other women celebrity friends.

ess bee