A grand adieu to Goddess Durga praying for the longevity of spouse
On the last day of Dussehra or Vijayadashami, a vibrant ritual, Debi Boron and Sindur Khela, is performed by married women seeking the blessings of Maa Durga for the longevity of their spouses. It's believed that Goddess Durga leaves this earth on that day, going to her husband’s house, to stay with him and her children. So before leaving, she sparkles the blessings on all married women, who perform this ritual, to stay happily with their husband and children.
As part of this ritual, married women offer sweets, sindoor (vermilion) and betel leaves to the goddess as part of their prayers, and then apply the sindoor on Goddess’s face, covering her feet with betel leaf. Sindoor is used to celebrate the Goddess's married status. Then they collect a small amount of Sindoor from the goddess and apply it on their conch bangles and other accessories, after which the real fun begins in which, they smear each other with sindoor. It is believed that a woman will never be widowed, if she performs these rituals with proper custom - such powerful rituals we have. The ritual is a Bengali Hindu tradition, believed to be originated few centuries back. We have few bengali friends on our society, so they planned this ritual, inviting others who joined very happily. After all, the Goddess belongs to all and bless us good health and family life. Though originally only married women were being allowed, in recent years, some progressive thoughts has brought changes to the ritual allowing all women, if they want to participate, symbolizing universal bonding between all women. So let me take you through a photographic journey of all the great, committed women, who protect our life with their strong belief.
A copy, book and pen of kids were also surrendered to the Goddess to give blessings to the kids.
Here is a short video compilation :
