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).
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