Women participate in vermilion ceremony on the last day of Durga Puja

From ANI

New Delhi, Sep.28: The 10-day Durga Puja, which was celebrated with deep religious fervour in different parts of the country, concluded on Monday.

A large number of married women in various parts of the country participated in the Sindoor or, vermilion powder ceremony, today.

Married women enthusiastically participate in the ceremony on this occasion and wish for each other's happiness for rest of the year.

"The sindoor (Vermillion) that we apply on each other is of great significance to every Hindu woman. We pray for happiness of our husbands. We apply vermilion to our married women friends and distribute sweets. We wish happiness for them all year long," said Meera Mukhejee, a devotee.

It is said that the goddess makes her annual visit during Durga Puja and the festivities are meant to welcome her.

On the last day, devotees bid farewell by performing vermilion, which takes place before the immersion of idol of Durga in the river.

In India's eastern Kolkata also, sindoor (Vermillion) ceremony was performed with great fervour.

Women participating in the ceremony pray for long life of their husbands.

"This is the most significant day for us. Married women play with 'sindoor' and pray for long lives of our husbands," said Kalpana Saha, another Devotee from Kolkata.

'Sindoor' symbolises the married status of a Hindu woman.


Copyright Asian News International/DailyIndia.com