The Ikebana Durga Utsav 2024, held in Sector 143, Noida, concluded with a vibrant observance of the traditional Sindoor Khela. Hundreds of married women gathered to offer their final respects to Goddess Durga, touching her feet and seeking blessings before the immersion ceremony.
The women engaged in Sindoor Khela, joyfully applying vermilion on each other’s faces. This ritual symbolises marital harmony and unity. The event was marked by an atmosphere filled with laughter, devotion, and the striking colours of red and gold, as the women expressed their reverence for the goddess and their bonds with one another.
Following the Sindoor Khela, the women, accompanied by their families, escorted the idol of Maa Durga to the river for the immersion (Visarjan) ceremony. This emotional moment was characterised by prayers and commitments to welcome the goddess again in the following year.
“It was a tearful yet unifying moment for many, as they bid farewell to the goddess with prayers and promises to welcome her again next year. The deep sense of community, faith, and celebration made the event a memorable one for all,” a statement read.
The celebration formed a key part of Ikebana’s broader Durga Utsav, which this year centred on the theme, “Empowered Women Empower the World.” “The participation of hundreds of women, leading the festivities, was a testament to the strength and unity of women in the community,” the release added.
As chants of “Asche bochor abar hobe” (we will celebrate again next year) echoed through the gathering, the residents of Ikebana experienced both the melancholy of parting and the joy of being part of this enduring cultural tradition.
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Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in the eastern states like West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, and Jharkhand. It honours the Hindu goddess Durga, who is revered as a symbol of strength, protection, and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is marked by grand celebrations, cultural performances, religious rituals, and vibrant community gatherings.
Durga Puja commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival typically spans ten days, starting from Mahalaya and culminating on Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra).
