The festival of Vijayadashami is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm and joy. The traditions associated with this festival vary across different parts of the country. In Bengal, Vijayadashami is celebrated as the concluding day of Durga Puja.
In West Bengal, especially in Kolkata, Bengal Vijayadashami marks the final day of Sharadiya Durga Puja, when Maa Durga is given a farewell and her idol is immersed. On this day, the famous tradition of Sindoor Khela is also observed among married women.
In Bengali tradition, it is believed that Maa Durga visits her maternal home during Navratri and returns to her husband’s home on Dashami. With this sentiment, devotees bid farewell to the Goddess after worshipping and serving her throughout the festival.
To learn more about Maa Durga Puja Vidhi, auspicious timings and religious significance on Mahanavami: - Read our detailed Bengal Mahanavami guide.
When Is Bengal Vijayadashami 2026?
Bengal Vijayadashami 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 21. This day marks the conclusion of Sharadiya Durga Puja, and the idols of Maa Durga are immersed as part of the farewell ceremony.
In 2026, the main Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata will take place from October 17 to October 21, with the festival concluding on Dashami.
On Dashami, married women offer Sindoor to Maa Durga and then apply Sindoor to one another as part of the Sindoor Khela tradition. After this, the idol of Maa Durga is taken for immersion.
What Is Sindoor Khela in Bengal?
Sindoor Khela is a well-known tradition associated with Durga Puja in Bengal. On Bengal Vijayadashami, married women offer Sindoor to Maa Durga and then apply Sindoor to one another.
After this, women offer sweets to each other and exchange Vijayadashami greetings. This tradition is especially observed on the final day of Durga Puja.
Through Sindoor Khela, women pray to Maa Durga for the happiness and prosperity of their families and the well-being of their married lives. Different families and communities may observe this tradition according to their own local customs.
Why Is Maa Durga Given a Farewell in Bengal?
In Bengali society, there is an emotional tradition of viewing Maa Durga as a daughter who visits her maternal home. During Durga Puja, Maa Durga is worshipped according to traditional rituals, and on Dashami, she is given a farewell.
The immersion of the Goddess’s idol in water is known as Durga Visarjan. It is considered a symbol of the conclusion of Durga Puja. In Bengal, the grand celebration of Durga Puja comes to an end with the immersion of Maa Durga’s idol on Vijayadashami.
Bengal Vijayadashami Puja and the Tradition of Sindoor Khela
During Sharadiya Navratri, large Puja pandals are decorated across West Bengal for the worship of Maa Durga. Grand idols of the Goddess are installed at different locations, and devotees visit these pandals to seek Maa Durga’s blessings and offer their prayers.
On Dashami, after the final Puja and worship of Maa Durga, preparations are made for her farewell. Married women offer Sindoor to Maa Durga. They then apply Sindoor to one another and offer sweets while exchanging good wishes. This tradition is known as Sindoor Khela.
How Is Sindoor Khela Performed?
As part of the Sindoor Khela tradition, women first offer Sindoor to Maa Durga. According to their tradition, Sindoor may then be applied to the Goddess using a betel leaf.
After this, women apply Sindoor to one another and offer sweets. At the time of Maa Durga’s farewell, devotees also pray for the Goddess to return to her maternal home again the following year.
In many places, women exchange Vijayadashami greetings during Sindoor Khela and pray for the happiness and prosperity of their families.
Can Unmarried Women Participate in Sindoor Khela?
Sindoor Khela has traditionally been identified primarily as a tradition observed by married women. However, the way this tradition is followed may vary among different Puja committees and families.
Some local traditions also mention the participation of unmarried women and young girls in the celebration. In such traditions, participation may be associated with prayers for a happy marriage and a suitable life partner.
Therefore, beliefs and practices associated with Sindoor Khela may vary according to the location and family traditions.
How Is Dussehra Celebrated in Bengal?
In Bengal, Dussehra is primarily celebrated as the conclusion of Durga Puja. Unlike North India, where the burning of Ravana is a central part of Dussehra celebrations, the major traditions in Bengal include Maa Durga’s worship, Vijayadashami, Sindoor Khela and Durga Visarjan.
During the days of Durga Puja, grand pandals are set up across West Bengal. These pandals are decorated with different themes and designs. Devotees visit them to have Darshan of Maa Durga, offer prayers and present Bhog.
On Dashami, the festival reaches its final stage with the farewell of Maa Durga.
Religious Significance of Bengal Vijayadashami
In religious tradition, Vijayadashami is regarded as a symbol of the victory of Dharma over Adharma and truth over falsehood. In Bengal, this day is particularly associated with Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and the conclusion of Durga Puja.
On this day, devotees pray to Maa Durga for the happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being of their families. The immersion of the Goddess’s idol is considered symbolic of Maa Durga leaving after blessing her devotees, with the hope and sentiment that she will return again the following year.
What Is Done on Bengal Vijayadashami 2026?
The following traditions are mainly observed on Bengal Vijayadashami:
• Final Puja and worship of Maa Durga
• Married women offering Sindoor
• Sindoor Khela
• Women offering sweets to one another
• Exchanging Vijayadashami greetings
• Farewell to Maa Durga
• Immersion of Maa Durga’s idol
• Prayers for the well-being of the family and society
What Is the Connection Between Bengal Vijayadashami and Durga Visarjan?
In Bengal, Vijayadashami is celebrated as the final day of Durga Puja. On this day, Maa Durga is given a respectful farewell, followed by the immersion of her idol.
In 2026, Bengal Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 21, and the traditions of Durga Visarjan and Sindoor celebrations will be observed on this day.
The immersion of Maa Durga’s idol is an emotional occasion for devotees. They bid farewell to the Goddess while praying for her to return again the following year.
Bengal Vijayadashami 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 21. It is an important occasion marking the conclusion of Durga Puja in West Bengal. On this day, traditions such as Maa Durga’s farewell, Sindoor Khela and Durga Visarjan hold special significance.
Bengal Vijayadashami is not only a religious festival but also a celebration of devotion to Maa Durga, family emotions and community traditions. Through Sindoor Khela, women seek Maa Durga’s blessings and pray for the well-being of their families, while during Durga Visarjan, devotees bid an emotional farewell to the Goddess.
