‘Sindur Khela’ marks farewell to Goddess Durga ending 10-day Puja festivities

The devotees of Goddess Durga have bid her farewell with love and tears in their eyes amid the sounds of drums, conch shells and brass cymbals. The Dashami, or tenth day rituals for Durga Puja, kicked off with Bihit Puja after 9am at the Dhakeshwari National Temple. Later, the Darpan Bisarjan and Ghot Bisarjan rituals were performed. Sindur Khela, a ritual during which married women play with vermillion, and other rituals started in the afternoon. The devotees indulged in merriment to mark the festival. Women were seen dancing in groups. The biggest festival for Bengali Hindus will end with the immersion of the idols in the evening. They will have to wait another year for the goddess to visit the...