Agartala, 21st October 2026 : Amid the poignant atmosphere of Bijoya Dashami, women participated enthusiastically in the traditional Sindoor Khela at the historic Durgabari in Agartala. As in previous years, the ritual was observed on Vijaya Dashami, with prayers for the well-being of families and society. Devotees began gathering at Durgabari early in the morning to participate in the Dashami puja, witness the traditional farewell to Goddess Durga and seek her blessings.
On Wednesday, various religious rituals commenced at Durgabari in the morning to mark Vijaya Dashami. The puja was performed in accordance with prescribed customs and scriptural traditions by Durgabari’s chief priest, Jayanta Bhattacharya. The ceremonies followed established religious practices, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere across the temple premises.
After the Dashami puja, chief priest Jayanta Bhattacharya said that all religious rituals had been performed according to tradition. Following the completion of the puja, the necessary ritual items were sent to Rajghat Rajbari. He also stated that Narayan had proceeded to Lakshminarayan Bari. At around 6 pm on Wednesday, Goddess Durga was scheduled to be ceremonially welcomed before being taken to Dashami Ghat. Following Ganga Puja and other religious rituals there, the immersion ceremony would be performed.
With the completion of the Dashami rituals, preparations began for the ceremonial departure of the Goddess. While devotees were filled with devotion and emotion at the moment of farewell, they also looked forward to her return next year. Many people offered prayers before the Goddess, seeking blessings for the health, happiness and prosperity of their families and the welfare of society.
The traditional Sindoor Khela subsequently began on the temple premises. Women smeared vermilion on one another and exchanged Bijoya greetings. One of the most recognisable traditions of Bengal’s Durga Puja celebrations, Sindoor Khela was marked by enthusiasm and emotion. Alongside offering vermilion to the Goddess, the women applied it to one another’s foreheads, praying for family well-being, good health and happiness.
A woman participating in the ritual said that Vijaya Dashami was not merely the conclusion of the festival but also a special occasion to pray for the well-being of families and society. She offered prayers to Goddess Durga for everyone’s good health, peace and happiness, expressing hope that the Goddess’s blessings would bring prosperity to all.
Another homemaker visited Durgabari to participate in the Dashami procession and rituals for the first time since her marriage. She said she had prayed for the health and well-being of all family members. She felt fortunate to be able to participate in the special religious ceremony at the historic Durgabari, adding that praying for her family’s welfare was her primary purpose for the visit.
Meanwhile, the state police presented a Guard of Honour before Goddess Durga on the occasion of the Dashami puja. The ceremony emerged as one of the notable features of the traditional observances. The puja, Sindoor Khela and Guard of Honour together created a distinctive atmosphere of devotion, tradition and emotion at Durgabari on Vijaya Dashami.
Although the Sharadiya festivities concluded with the departure of Goddess Durga, devotees carried home their prayers, hopes and blessings, along with the anticipation of welcoming the Goddess again next year.
