Why Durga Puja Ends With Sindoor Khela On Vijayadashami? Meaning And Ritual Explained

Durga Puja, a significant festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Observed for five days, the festival is widely celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. In 2026, Durga Puja is expected to commence on October 16 and conclude on October 21, with the final day known as Vijayadashami. On this day, an essential ritual known as Sindoor Khela takes place.

Sindoor Khela, or the game of vermilion, is a symbolic act performed by married women during Durga Puja. It involves applying sindoor, a red powder, on the forehead and feet of the Goddess Durga, and subsequently smearing it on each other. This ritual is considered the concluding festive moment before the immersion of the idol, and it is believed to bring prosperity, longevity for husbands, and protection for children. This year, Sindoor Khela is slated to be observed on October 21.

The ritual commences with women applying sindoor to Goddess Durga's forehead and feet before passing it on to one another. Devotees also exchange sweets during the ceremony, and women usually wear white sarees with red borders. The Sindoor Khela takes place after the farewell prayers to the Goddess, with women first applying the vermilion on the Goddess and then sharing it amongst themselves.