Kolkata's Sindoor Khela: A Joyous Farewell to Goddess Durga

In Kolkata, the final day of Durga Puja was marked by the traditional 'Sindoor Khela' at the Mudiali Club, where women gathered to pray and play with vermilion. Anuradha Malhotra expressed the bittersweet emotions, stating it was a day of joy as well as sadness as the revered Goddess Durga returns to her celestial home.

For Bengalis, vermilion holds deep cultural significance during the festival, explained local resident Gayatri. Even as they prayed for familial well-being, the departure of Maa Durga cast a shadow of melancholy. Meanwhile, foreign visitors like Eleanora and Beatrice were awed by the elaborate pandals and immersive community vibe, marking it as their second time experiencing the Puja in India.

In Siliguri, the symbolic power of 'Sindoor Khela' resonated with locals, reminding them of the potent cultural connection termed 'Operation Sindoor'. Traditionally linking wives with their spouses and the divine, this practice now fosters a sense of national unity. Encompassing shared cultural rituals, Sindoor Khela epitomizes the dual nature of celebration and farewell on Maha Dashami.

(With inputs from agencies.)