Bhubaneswar, Oct 12: Tomorrow is Vijayadashami that will bring a mix of emotions for devotees as they will bid farewell to Goddess Durga for another year. In Hindu mythology, particularly among Bengalis, it is believed that Goddess Durga, along with Lord Ganesh, Kartikeya, Goddess Lakshmi, and Saraswati, descends to Earth once a year for five days to bless her followers. This return symbolizes a married daughter’s visit to her parental home, or ‘maika’.
The five-day festival honors Goddess Durga and celebrates her triumph over the demon king Mahishasura, earning her the title ‘Mahisha Mardini’. On the final day of Durga Puja, known as Bijoya Dashami or Vijayadashami, special rituals are performed to bid her farewell as she prepares to return to Mount Kailash, where Lord Shiva resides. One of the cherished traditions during this time is ‘Sindur Khela’, where devotees engage in playful ceremonies before the Goddess's departure.
While ‘Sindur Khela’ is predominantly celebrated in West Bengal, it is also observed with great enthusiasm in several districts of Odisha, where significant Bengali communities reside. Areas such as Malkangiri, Sambalpur, Burla, Umerkote, Nabarangpur, Balasore, Jaleswar, and the twin cities of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack are home to countless Bengali-speaking individuals who celebrate this vibrant festival.
Anna Saha, a Bengali woman from Burla, shared her experiences with Prameya English, highlighting how the local community mirrors the celebratory atmosphere of West Bengal. “We wait the whole year for this festival. On Vijayadashami, we apply sindur (vermillion) on Goddess Durga’s feet and forehead, seeking her blessings for good fortune and prosperity,” she explained.
Nayantara Prusty, an Odia woman from Balasore, expressed her joy in participating in the Sindur Khela festivities alongwith Bengali women. “We come together to celebrate this playful ritual every year,” she noted, showcasing the spirit of unity and celebration that defines the festival.
As devotees across Odisha and beyond reflect on their experiences, the sweet farewell to Goddess Durga remains a poignant reminder of faith, community, and cultural heritage.
