Sindur Khela, also known as Sindoor Utsav, is an important traditional ritual that is part of the Durga Puja celebrations, especially in the eastern parts of India, particularly West Bengal and Assam. Sindur Khela, which means 'vermillion game', is a Hindu tradition of East India and Bangladesh. The famous event forms an integral part of the Durga Pujo festivities in West Bengal. On the day of Bengal Vijayadashami, idols of Durga Maa are immersed, which marks the end of Durga Puja festivities. Durga Puja 2023 Full Calendar: Here's a Day-Wise Puja Schedule and Full Durga Pujo Dates.

Married Bengali Hindu women participate in Sindur Khela on the last day of the festival, which is known as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra. This year, Sindur Khela 2023 will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24. The Dashami Tithi will begin at 05:44 PM on October 23, 2023, and end at 03:14 PM on October 24, 2023. Scroll down to learn more about Sindur Khela 2023 date, Sindur Khela puja rituals, the significance of the festival and more. Durga Puja History and Culture: Know Everything From the Legend of Maa Durga Vanquishing Mahishasura to Dhunuchi Dance on the Dhak's Rhythmic Beats.

Sindur Khela 2023 Date

Sindur Khela 2023 will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24.

Sindur Khela 2023 Timings

The Dashami Tithi will begin at 05:44 PM on October 23, 2023, and will end at 03:14 PM on October 24, 2023.

Sindur Khela Celebrations

On the day of Vijayadashami, married Hindu women apply sindoor on the forehead and feet of Goddess Durga. This interesting part of this ritual is applying vermilion (sindoor) to the Goddess Durga's forehead and feet and then smearing each other with sindoor. It is a symbol of married women's prayers for the well-being and long life of their husbands.

Women wear traditional sarees, usually in white and red, and adorn themselves with traditional jewellery and other accessories. They exchange sweets, offer prayers, and engage in joyful celebrations by singing songs and dancing. After Sindur Khela, the idol of Goddess Durga is taken in a procession to be immersed in a river or water body, signifying her return to her husband's home.

Who Can Play Sindur Khela?

Sindur Khela symbolizes the power of womanhood in protecting her family from all evil. As per beliefs, unmarried women and widows are barred from participating in the ritual. According to commonly held belief, if a woman plays Sindur Khela by following the proper custom, she will never be widowed.

Sindur Khela Significance

Sindur Khela is a significant part of Durga Puja for many Bengali communities. The practices and celebrations may vary based on regional and cultural differences. The auspicious day of Sindur Khela symbolizes the power of womanhood in protecting her husband and children from all evil. Through the ritual of Sindur Khela, the Hindu women pray for long and happy married lives of each other.

(The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2023 11:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).