AGARTALA, Oct 15 (TWIN): With the rhythm of Dhak (Drum) and chants, people all across the state observed Vijaya Dashami.

Women bid farewell to the Goddess Durga by putting sindoor (vermillion powder) as part of a ritual called Sindoor Khela.

On the day married Bengali women play Sindoor Khela. In Sindoor Khela, married Bengali women bid farewell to Maa Durga and exchange Sindoor (Vermillon) marks on each other’s foreheads and also on the forehead of Maa Durga, with offerings of sweets.

Traditionally on Dashami, the tenth day is the end of the auspicious occasion of Durga puja. Later, with the end of the celebration the idol of Goddess Durga has been immersed in water bodies. This ritual is called Bisorjon in Bengali which marks the departure of Goddess Durga along with her four children to Kailash.

The celebration is observed with the rhythm of Dhak (Drum), chants and colourful decoration with lights all across to welcome Goddess Durga.

It is believed that mother Durga is invited to visit her maternal home and the invocation given to her is on 'Mahalaya'.

Mahalaya comes seven days before Durga Puja, which marks the invitation to the Goddess to come on the earth.

Goddess Durga then visits home for five days and Bengalis celebrate, worship, and enjoy the five days of Durga Puja – Shashti, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami.

On the day of Maha Ashtami 'Kumari puja' takes place and in the evening of Maha Ashtami is the main 'sandhya puja' in which 108 earthen lamps (diyas) are lighted.

However, during the celebration traditional Dhunuchi Dance has also been observed with the beats of the Dhak. And finally Vijaydashami marks the farewell to the Goddess Durga by putting on a sindoor and performing other rituals.