Women enjoying Sindur Khela on Bijoya Dashami

After four days of festivity and celebrations, finally comes the day when Maa Durga returns to her heavenly abode along with her children. Dashami is the tenth day from the new moon, the day when a tearful farewell is bid to the Goddess. The day marks a grand “bidaai” of Maa Durga, and a lot of rituals are performed before the Goddess sets off for her husband's home.

In the morning of Dashami, married women apply vermillion to the idol of Maa Durga, and then they assemble together to apply vermillion to each other. This ritual takes place amidst a lot of merriment, as the women smear each others' faces with red vermillion and offer sweets. This ritual, known as “Sindur Khela” (vermillion game) is a very important ritual of Dashami.

Maa Durga ready to depart to her husband's house

The men also come together and greet each other by offering sweets, and embracing each other. This ritual is known as “Kolakuli”. The children also indulge in a lot of frolic. There are various events organised on Dashami before the Goddess is immersed. These events include cultural programs of music and dance, “Sankha Dhwani” contests, in which the person who can blow the loudest conch shell is declared the winner, and Dhunuchi Naach contests for adults and children.

On Dashami, people touch the feet of elders and seek their blessings. Gifts and sweets are also exchanged. People visit their neighbours and relatives, and offer “Bijoya” greetings. Bijoya is a special ritual, whereby peace and good relations are reaffirmed.

An immersed Durga Idol leaves one calling -Aabar esho Maa...

Aabar esho Maa...

Finally, in the evening, the moment comes when the Goddess is immersed. The idols of Maa Durga and her children are carried around the locality amidst beats of Dhaak and sounds of bells and conch shells, before being taken to a nearby lake or river for immersion. The immersion is performed in a grand way, with a large number of people coming together to bid adieu to the Goddess. Amidst a lot of fanfare, the idol is immersed in the river, and the wait for Maa Durga to arrive again next year begins!

Here's wishing a “Subho Bijoya” to all from Headlines India!