The tenth day of Durga Puja, known as Vijaya Dashami, marks the solemn yet sacred farewell to Goddess Durga. After days of worship, devotion, and celebration, Dashami signifies the return of the Mother to her celestial abode in Kailash. In Bengal, this day is imbued with deep emotion and ritual significance, blending devotion with symbolism that reflects eternal Hindu teachings.
The Ritual of Kadam Flowers and Sacred Vermillion
On Dashami morning, Kadam flowers—round, golden blossoms with a sweet fragrance—are brought home. These flowers are hung at the entrance of houses, symbolizing auspiciousness, protection, and continuity of divine blessings even after the immersion of the Goddess.
A unique Bengali household tradition involves taking oil and vermillion (sindoor) that have been touched to the feet of Goddess Durga’s idol. The devotees then mark small dots on the door frame and inside the household safe (sinduk) using this sacred mixture. The act represents invoking the Goddess’s grace to guard the home and preserve prosperity. The red vermillion, associated with Shakti, embodies vitality, fortune, and protection from negative energies.
Symbolism and Scriptural Roots
The touching of oil and vermillion to the Divine Feet signifies humility and surrender. In the Devi Mahatmyam (Chapter 5, Verse 16), it is said: "She who is ever intent on the welfare of the universe, who abides in all beings as strength and compassion, may that Devi protect us always." This verse reflects the essence of the ritual—inviting the Goddess’s strength to remain with the devotee beyond the festival.
The doorway markings with the sacred oil and sindoor also have a spiritual connotation. The threshold, according to Hindu philosophy, represents the passage between the material and the spiritual realms. By marking it, devotees symbolically invite Durga’s presence into every transition of life—protecting, guiding, and blessing the household.
The Emotional Farewell
As the idol is immersed in water, devotees whisper, “Aasche bochor abar hobe”—“We shall celebrate again next year.” The Kadam flowers remain hanging through the coming days, reminding all that while the Goddess may have departed in form, her essence continues to protect the home.
Dashami, therefore, is not an ending but a reaffirmation of faith. Through oil, vermillion, and flowers, Bengalis express gratitude to the Divine Mother and seek her eternal guardianship over life, family, and prosperity.