{
  "id": 14686018,
  "title": "Why Durga Puja Ends With Sindoor Khela On Vijayadashami? Meaning And Ritual Explained",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/why-durga-puja-ends-with-sindoor-khela-on-vijayadashami-meaning-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T11:37:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/why-durga-puja-ends-with-sindoor-khela-on-vijayadashami-meaning-and-ritual-explained"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nSindoor 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "Durga Puja is one of the auspicious festivals which is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga killing the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, which symbolises light over darkness. The festival is traditionally observed for five days, and it is mostly celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, among others. In 2026, the festival is set to begin on Friday,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}