Society · India
Durga Puja concludes with traditions and rituals across India
The conclusion of Durga Puja celebrations across India was marked by various traditions and rituals, including the immersion of idols. In Gorakhpur, the immersion was accompanied by drums and chants, with devotees bidding farewell with tearful eyes. In West Bengal, a directive from Suvendu Adhikari stated that only 'Sanatani' individuals should touch the idol during immersion, with BSF and NDRF personnel deployed for security. A 550-year-old tradition in Koderma saw women playing with sindoor (vermilion) as the idol was carried on shoulders. Similarly, in Damoh, a 66-year-old tradition involved playing with sindoor before the farewell of Goddess Kali on Dussehra. In Bengal, women participated in sindoor khela (playing with sindoor) as part of the idol immersion rituals, with the phrase 'Aashe bochor abar hobe' (We will meet again next year) being a common sentiment.
How outlets across the spectrum covered it
- Centre (4): Dainik Bhaskar, Haribhoomi, Hindustan (Hindi), Prabhat Khabar
- Right (3): News18 Hindi, Punjab Kesari, Zee News (Hindi)