Sindoor Khela: the farewell ritual of Dashami
On the last day of Durga Puja the pandals fill with red vermilion. Here are the key facts about this ritual.
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What is Sindoor Khela
Sindoor Khela, roughly the vermilion game, is a Bengali Hindu tradition. It is held on Vijaya Dashami, after the Visarjan Puja. (Source: Wikipedia, Sindur Khela)
What is done
Women apply sindoor to the goddess's forehead and feet and offer her sweets and betel leaves. They then smear sindoor on each other's foreheads, on their conch-shell, coral and iron bangles, and on their faces. (Source: Wikipedia, Sindur Khela)
Sweets offered to the goddess are then shared between the women as prasad. (Source: Wikipedia, Sindur Khela)
Who takes part
It is played by married Bengali Hindu women; unmarried women and widows were traditionally barred. A Calcutta Times campaign encouraged participation by all women. (Source: Wikipedia, Sindur Khela)
In some parts of West Bengal it is held earlier, such as on Mahasaptami in Dubrajpur or Mahashtami in Bijra. (Source: Wikipedia, Sindur Khela)
In 2027
In Drik Panchang's Kolkata list for 2027, Vijaya Dashami, Sindoor Khela and Durga Visarjan fall on Sunday, 10 October. (Source: Drik Panchang, Durga Puja 2027 calendar (Kolkata))
💡 Vermilion stains clothes, so wear something you do not mind staining. Our greeting cards are handy for sending Bijoya wishes.
Questions
- What is Sindoor Khela?
- A Vijaya Dashami ritual in which women apply vermilion to the goddess and to each other.
- When is Sindoor Khela in 2027?
- Sunday, 10 October 2027, Vijaya Dashami (Drik Panchang, Kolkata).
- Who can play Sindoor Khela?
- Traditionally married women; a campaign has encouraged all women to take part.
See also
Bijoya greeting cardsDurga Puja 2027Durga Puja 2026Dhunuchi naach and dhakBhai Phota rituals