Dear readers,
Shubho Bijoya to all!
Here's a small write up on Bijoya.
From here
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The tenth day or Dashami is also known as Bijoya Dashami, as this was the day on which Devi Durga attained victory over buffalo demon Mahishasura. This day also coincides with Dussehra, the tenth day of Navaratri celebration. Durga Puja is not just a religious celebration. It is a social and cultural celebration. This is the occasion to send invitations and spend some quality time with your friends, family and acquaintances, to let them know your appreciation and wish each other Shubho Bijoya, the common phrase used to wish someone, a blessed bijoya.
This is also the last day of worshipping Maa Durga, this is the day when idol of Goddess Durga will be immersed in the near by river. With colorful and majestic parade accompanied by Dhunuchi dance, a kind of ritualistic dance and beating of the dhaak, the idol is taken to the near by river. With the believers yelling loudly, proclaiming, next year it’ll happen once again, the idol is immersed in the river water. A sense of sadness suddenly overshadows the festive mood as one has to wait for another year to feel the elation associated with Durga Puja celebration.
Several emotional and ritualistic customs take place on Bijoya Dashami before the idol of Maa Durga is taken for immersion. One such colorful and emotional custom is “Sindoor Khela” - “The Game of Vermillion”. This custom is practiced exclusively by the married women. Before the idol of Durga leaves for immersion they put sweet on the lips of the clay idol and wipe the corner of the eyes as someone wipes off the tears before bidding goodbye for a long time. Vermilion which is a symbol of marital bliss is applied on the forehead of the Goddess and among each other. The vermilion powder is applied at the parting of women’s hair which symbolizes to strengthen the marital bond. The sindoor is also applied on the red and white traditional bangles and on the ‘loha’ which is an iron bangle interlaced with gold or silver, presented to the bride by her mother in law as an acknowledgement of marriage. All these rituals are performed along with the friends and family, though every one can not take part in it but it is a wonderful experience to witness this living theatre of color, life and emotion.
This is also the time to meet up with friends and relatives living far off places, as they try to come back to their loved ones at this time of the year. In the evening they enjoy a hearty conversation or light hearted chit chats with their friends and family members, whom they missed all year long.
On Shubho Bijoya people invite others to come to their place and spend joyous time in the spirit of the celebration.They also visit the homes of their friends and acquaintances to thank them for there care and wish them shubho bijoya. Adults embrace each other with warm wishes, exchange gifts and greet Shubho Bijoya to each other, which is known as KolaKuli in Bengali. The children in an expression to show respect toward the elders touch the feet and seek their blessings.
The sumptuous dishes and mouth watering sweetmeats prepared for this special occasion are an integral part of Shubho Bijoya. Such yummy treats like ‘malpoa’ and probably the most popular snack, ‘Nimki’ are among the regular items in the Shubho Bijoya menu. Nowadays people buy the sweets and snacks straight from the market and don’t go in to all the trouble of making it at home. Friends and family devour these special treats, enjoy the festivity, catch up with friends and soak up the spirit of celebration.
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~ Souvik
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