Sindoor-Utsav (Khela)
On the last day of Durga Puja, married women gather at the Puja pandals and smear each other with Sindur (vermillion) much like playing with colours in Holi. The color of vermillion eclipses the glow of other colors on Vijaya Dashami, when married women of the Bengali community indulge in Sindur Khela. . It is an age-old customary ritual for them to exchange good wishes and festive greetings by smearing each other’s face with vermillion. The married Bengali women of all age-groups including the newly wed and the old deck themselves in white saris with deep red border, and gold ornaments for this occasion. They offer flowers with vermilion to the obedience of Ma Durga before bidding adieu to the Goddess.
