BIJAYA DASHAMI...
PART II
Its the midst of navratri and here I am already posting about its culmination!! Well the reason being that already I am so tangled with the festive celebrations, hubbys birthday and taking care of my in laws that I could not risk missing posting this on time!!
I wont get into the story telling part of why and how dusshera or Bijaya dashami is celebrated. But I would like to share a very funfilled ritual of ours...Shindoor Khela. This ritual is exclusively for the females..and the men enjoy watching their wives, daughters and sisters indulge in this playful colour act!!
Shindoor (as it is spelt in bengali) or vermillion is a red pigment worn by married women on their foreheads as a sign of being married. On the last day of Durga puja, in the morning, before the idol is immersed in the water, women smear shindoor on each others' faces after paying respect to Goddess Durga. Its said that when young unmarried girls get this 'colour treatment' by the elders, they get married early!! :D I know it may sound alarming for few..but believe me...some girls actually love it!!
The following pictures are of Durga Puja 2011 ie my first puja as a wife. So that year was very special for me!!
All the above pictures had been taken by my friend Amit as my hubby was busy in his hospital and my mother (who is my second photographer) was busy with me!!
However last year, I made sure that my husband witnessed his wife's face getting smeared with vermillion!! I just hope this year he ditches his hospital and stays with me!!
A very happy Dusshera to all of you in advance!!
The red and green saree that I had worn had been gifted by my mom in law :D
Its the midst of navratri and here I am already posting about its culmination!! Well the reason being that already I am so tangled with the festive celebrations, hubbys birthday and taking care of my in laws that I could not risk missing posting this on time!!
I wont get into the story telling part of why and how dusshera or Bijaya dashami is celebrated. But I would like to share a very funfilled ritual of ours...Shindoor Khela. This ritual is exclusively for the females..and the men enjoy watching their wives, daughters and sisters indulge in this playful colour act!!
Shindoor (as it is spelt in bengali) or vermillion is a red pigment worn by married women on their foreheads as a sign of being married. On the last day of Durga puja, in the morning, before the idol is immersed in the water, women smear shindoor on each others' faces after paying respect to Goddess Durga. Its said that when young unmarried girls get this 'colour treatment' by the elders, they get married early!! :D I know it may sound alarming for few..but believe me...some girls actually love it!!
The following pictures are of Durga Puja 2011 ie my first puja as a wife. So that year was very special for me!!
 |
| me paying respect to Lord Ganesha... |
 |
| my father with the "dhak"(kind of drum) and my childhood friend Amit... |
 |
| me waiting for my turn to pay my respects...in the meantime, getting clicked :) |
 |
| and the play begins....since I am a newlywed, everyone wants to smear me!! here is my childhood friend Amit's mother colouring my face!! |
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| standing with the colourful ladies... |
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| me with my mom... |
 |
| this is one of my fav pics!! |
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| the men having a blast indulging in beats!! |
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| my mom wanted to capture this moment forever!! |
However last year, I made sure that my husband witnessed his wife's face getting smeared with vermillion!! I just hope this year he ditches his hospital and stays with me!!
 |
| last year's picture...I finally managed to get clicked with my husband!! My cousin brother took this!! |
 | |
| standing outside the pandal gate!! |
A very happy Dusshera to all of you in advance!!
The red and green saree that I had worn had been gifted by my mom in law :D
25 comments
Beautiful images you capture the essence of the culture.
ReplyDeletehttp://tifi11.blogspot.com
Beautiful clicks..you two make such a lovely couple. N i wud really love to witness this sindoor ritual..looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteAditi
So-Saree
www.sosaree.blogspot.in
That's a beautiful saree! Such a classy look! What a great amount of fun and celebration- I always love hearing how people celebrate our traditional holidays :)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Akshara
Simply Akshara
Lovely photos Mandira! I love your sari! <3 !
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to read about.
Hmm maybe...
Great pics, Liked the last one most!!!
ReplyDeleteyou are beautiful!! and the pics are stunning!
ReplyDeletekisses pretty!
I think that indian garments are really beautiful :)
ReplyDeletemykindofjoy.blogspot.com
Nice ones....feeling glad..my pic are appearing in your blog!!!
ReplyDeletethis sounds so awesome and interesting :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinkoolaid.com/
Great experience, you look so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteDon't Call Me Fashion Blogger
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So fab experience and great pics!
ReplyDeleteXxx
Carolina
www.the-world-c.blogspot.com
Wow amazing pics. Being european I don't know much about the indian culture. This ritual is so beautiful. Glad you had a great time :)
ReplyDeletexx Mira
www.glamdevils.com
So much culture and tradition in your country!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
x
Stella from a A Shiny Place
wowwww i lovw india..great pictures ;)))) would u like to follow each other??? let me know sweety kisses
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I love your dress!!
ReplyDeleteAlessandra
www.alessandrastyle.com
Wow, great time you had! I've always wondered what that red pigment means! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSun and Sany
Today, this is my favorite post! It's amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet words.
Kisses
The diary of a fashion apprentice
oh I just love your traditional dress!♥ you're so beautiful! I'm going to visit the Indian Film Festival in Prague this Sunday and I'm so excited!:)♥
ReplyDeletewww.lorietta.cz
I enjoyed reading the details of this traditional ritual. Traditions in your country are very fascinating and appealing to me!Love
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Amazing post!
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Thanks for sharing, I really enjoy reading it.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Christy
http://www.am2pmchic.com/
You look really beautiful in the saree.
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Cassandra | Backtofive
http://backtofive.blogspot.com
WOW....I admire your traditions, your colors and your clothes.
ReplyDeleteEverything you write is magnificent and monsters, people, festivals, flavors .... beautiful post compliments.
Kisses http://valentinaclothedanew.blogspot.it/
WOw thanks for sharing this amazing experience with us!
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful and love the pictures of the ceremony!
Have a great day :D
XXX
Are you a classic York lady?