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Bijoya Dashami

Goddess Durga send-off with 'Shidur Khela'

Prothom Alo English Desk
Bijoya doshomi, it’s the day to bid adieu to Goddes Durga. The ritual of ‘Shidur Khela’ (the festival of vermilion) begins with the parting note of Goddess Durga. There’s the rhythm of large drums, conch shells and ulu dhwani (a high pitched loud vocal sound) at the mandap (pandal). Married women apply shidur on each other’s forehead as women of different age enjoy playing with vermilion and abir (powder colours). On one hand there’s the melancholy of Bisorjon (immersion of the idol) while on the other hand there’s the delight of shidur khela. It fills the hearts of devotees with happiness and sadness at the same time. Here’s a photo story featuring photographs from different mandaps across the country taken today, Tuesday (24 October).
Many came to make an offering of shidur, flowers and oil before Goddess Durga. Photo taken from JM Sen Hall in Chattogram.
Jewel Shill
Married women apply abir on each other’s cheeks. Photo taken from JM Sen Hall in Chattogram.
Jewel Shill
Before saying goodbye to the Goddess, women enjoy playing with shidur. Devotees take selfies at the temple. Photo taken from Chelopara Sarbojanin Kalimandir in Bogura.
Farewell to Goddess Durga amid an ambience of festivity following shidur khela. Photo taken at Karunamoyee Kalibari Mandir in Taltola area of Rangpur.
Devotees take part in the ritual of shidur khela on the morning of Bijoya Doshomi. Photo taken from the Ramkrishna Mission in Sylhet.
Women get busy with shidur khela in front of the Godess. Photo taken from Khamarbari Pujamandap in Dhaka.
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