Durga Puja, celebrated with immense devotion and cultural richness, especially in West Bengal and across India, culminates on the tenth day—Dashami. On this day, Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura is commemorated as she returns to her celestial abode. The immersion of her idol in water symbolises her journey back to the heavens, blending the bittersweet emotions of her departure with the hope of her return the following year. Alongside these spiritual traditions, Dashami is also marked by the indulgence in traditional dishes that highlight Bengal’s rich culinary heritage.
The Significance of Dashami Puja
Farewell To Maa Durga
For devotees, Dashami—or Vijaya Dashami—is a day of emotional contrasts. It signals the conclusion of Durga’s nine-day worship and her departure from the earthly realm. The Maha Arati, performed on the morning of Dashami, is a powerful moment as devotees gather to offer their final prayers, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. While her departure brings a touch of sadness, the spirit of victory over Mahishasura fills the air with optimism.
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Sindoor Khela
One of the most visually striking traditions of Dashami is Sindoor Khela, where married women apply vermilion (sindoor) to the goddess and each other. This ritual, a celebration of womanhood, fertility, and marital bonds, uses the colour red to represent the goddess’s strength and the wish for prosperity and long life. In recent years, Sindoor Khela has evolved to include women of all backgrounds, reflecting a more inclusive approach to the tradition.
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Traditional Foods And Sweets
The Last Maha Bhog Of Durga Puja
As the goddess is honoured with her final feast, the Maha Bhog on Dashami showcases an array of vegetarian dishes that celebrate Bengali lavors. This meal, first offered to the goddess and then distributed as prasad, often includes:
- Khichuri: A hearty blend of rice and lentils, enriched with ghee and spices.
- Labra: A wholesome mixed vegetable curry.
- Beguni: Crisp, golden eggplant fritters.
- Tomato Chutney: A tangy-sweet relish that complements the meal.
These dishes embody the simplicity and richness of Bengal’s culinary tradition, offering a sense of divine blessing to all who take part.
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Sweets For A Joyous Farewell
In Bengal, celebrations are incomplete without an indulgent selection of sweets, and Dashami is no exception. Some of the beloved desserts served include:
- Payesh: A creamy rice pudding with fragrant cardamom and a garnish of nuts.
- Pantua: Deep-fried sweet dumplings akin to gulab jamun.
- Sandesh: A delicate paneer-based sweet, often shaped into intricate designs.
- Rosogolla: Soft, spongy balls of chhena soaked in syrup, a quintessential Bengali delight.
These sweets are more than just a treat; they represent the bonds of friendship and goodwill shared among family and friends.
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Bijoya Dashami: A Tradition of Reunion
Following the formal rituals, families and friends come together for Bijoya Dashami, a time for visiting loved ones, exchanging sweets, and offering warm embraces. Traditional treats like narkel naru (coconut laddoos) and nimki (savoury crackers) are shared during these visits, fostering a spirit of unity and reconciliation. This tradition continues for days after Dashami, ensuring the festive spirit lingers long after the goddess has returned to her heavenly abode.
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Dashami Puja, with its blend of spirituality, togetherness, and culinary delights, brings a sense of harmony and joy that resonates far beyond the festival itself. It is a celebration of faith, community, and the simple pleasures of life shared in the company of loved ones.