The five-day Durga Puja celebration, the most significant religious festival for members of Hindu community, will officially conclude on Thursday (October 2) with the observance of Bijoya Dashami.
The grand festivities centering Durga puja will end with the ritual immersion of Goddess Durga idols, symbolizing the conclusion of the celebration.
The day will begin with “Bihit Puja” at pandals nationwide, followed by the customary “Darpan” rituals and the immersion of the idols, marking the goddess’s departure.
Bijoya Dashami is widely celebrated as a triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu belief, on this day, Goddess Durga ascends to her celestial abode on Mount Kailash, leaving the earthly realm. Devotees commemorate this sacred departure by immersing the idols in rivers, signifying the goddess’s return to her heavenly home.
As evening falls, devotees will take part in processions across the country, with the idols being immersed at designated locations. The timing and method of immersion vary locally, contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of the celebrations.
A hallmark tradition of Bijoya Dashami is the “Sindoor Khela,” where married women gather at pandals to apply vermillion on each other as a mark of marital prosperity. The ritual also involves offering sweets and betel leaves to the goddess. This tradition, deeply rooted in Hindu customs, is believed to invoke blessings for the well-being of married life. After the vermillion play, women offer their final prayers to Goddess Durga, bringing the festival to a close.
Bijoya Dashami carries significant spiritual meaning. It encourages devotees to rid themselves of negative emotions like anger, greed, and envy, and to embrace peace, unity, and brotherhood. The festival’s message resonates with people from all walks of life, inspiring efforts toward greater harmony and collective well-being.
