Bhubaneswar, Oct 12: The women of Baragada Brit Colony in Bhubaneswar are fully wrapped up in the vibrant celebration of Durga Puja, organizing a unique event that has become one of the city's major attractions. The all-women Durga Puja committee has created a stunning pandal, featuring a beautifully decorated Durga idol, and hosts cultural performances every evening, adding to the festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the Dandiya dance performance scheduled for this evening. The performance will be held on a stage near the pandal, featuring the renowned Odisha dance artist Shashwat Joshi and her troupe. Local women and young girls, dressed in traditional attire, will join in the Dandiya dance, invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga.
On Sunday evening, the age-old Sindoor Khela tradition will be held, drawing over 100 local women to participate. While this ritual isn’t practiced at all pandals in the city, the Baragada Brit Colony Women's Durga Puja Committee has upheld this vibrant tradition year after year. On Dashami, the day of bidding farewell to the goddess, women will offer sindoor (vermillion), sarees, and conch shells to the deity before playfully exchanging sindoor among themselves.
Bidulata Baliyarsingh, the president of the women’s committee, explained that this symbolic farewell mirrors the cultural belief that Goddess Durga returns to Kailash, just like a married daughter leaving her maternal home. The ritual, rooted in the legend of Durga's victory over Mahishasura, represents Parvati’s divine return to Kailash. During this ceremony, women offer curd rice and sweets, apply sindoor to the goddess, and present her with a saree and conch shells, preparing her for her departure in bridal attire.
Prominent members of the committee, including Usha Barik, Pratisruti Jena, Shantilata Samal, Kalyani Panda, and Gayatri Maharana, have worked tirelessly to make this celebration a success, showcasing their dedication to preserving tradition and ensuring the festival’s smooth execution.
With its rich cultural traditions and unique rituals, Baragada Brit Colony’s Durga Puja has become a symbol of devotion and unity, standing out in the heart of Bhubaneswar.
