Sindur Khela : What Happens When Tradition Meets Inclusion?
As I stood amidst the vibrant Sindur Khela celebrations, I realized that love knows no bounds, not even those of tradition. The vermilion powder symbolizing marriage was now a beacon of sisterhood, love, and acceptance. PBEL City Durgotsav’s inclusive approach had transformed the ritual, bridging gaps between women from all walks of life. In this sea of red, I found a sense of belonging.
Image Credit : Pbel City Durgotsav
As Durga Puja reaches its climax on Dashami, women worldwide gather for Sindur Khela, a 400-year-old ritual symbolizing womanhood’s power. What began as a Bengali tradition has evolved into a pan-Indian celebration, transcending cultural boundaries. But beneath its vibrant surface, lies a complex web of patriarchal norms and exclusivity.
Subhra, a self-proclaimed feminist, questions whether participating in Sindur Khela is hypocritical. “Is it not a patriarchal ritual?” she asks. As we delve deeper, we find that this ritual, where married women apply sindur to each other’s foreheads and cheeks, praying for their husbands’ and children’s well-being, raises uncomfortable questions.
Isn’t this discriminatory to unmarried women, widows, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals? Doesn’t it indirectly suggest that only “women with husbands” are eligible for societal celebration? The answer is yes.
The author recounts her own experience, initially enthralled by Sindur Khela’s vibrant scene, but later questioning its inclusivity. She realized that most Indian festive rituals, including Rakhi and Bhai Phonta, are patriarchal, placing the burden of fasting and praying on women.
However, a turning point came when she discovered a socially inclusive Sindur Khela initiative. A Durga Puja committee and media house invited widows and members of the transgender community to participate alongside women celebrities. This bold move broke taboos and set an example.
Inspired, the author decided to update her approach. Instead of quitting Sindur Khela, she pledged to encourage widowed relatives and neighbors to join, vowing to stand against exclusion.
Bollywood stars like Kajol, Rani Mukerji, and Bipasha Basu have proudly celebrated their Bengali roots through Sindur Khela. Their participation has helped bridge cultural gaps and bring attention to the ritual’s inclusive potential.
Durga Puja and Sindur Khela have caught the attention of international filmmakers and celebrities. Hollywood stars like Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman have attended Durga Puja events, drawn to the vibrant culture. UNESCO’s recognition of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021 has solidified its global significance.
PBEL City Durgotsav: A Epitome of Inclusivity
In Hyderabad, PBEL City Durgotsav has taken the lead in promoting inclusivity. Their Sindur Khela celebration welcomes women from all backgrounds, marital statuses, and identities. Non-Bengali residents join their Bengali friends, embracing the tradition.
“We believe in love, and that love can heal all and bridge the gap,” says the PBEL City Durgotsav committee. “Our Sindur Khela is a symbol of sisterhood, love, friendship, and acceptance.”
Time to Update Our Rituals
Rituals must evolve with the times or risk becoming obsolete. It’s up to us to initiate change.
Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar’s words resonate: “Why do you need reference to religious texts to change a social evil?” Similarly, why seek societal approval to update a discriminatory ritual?
Next Durga Puja, let’s break free from patriarchy’s shackles and celebrate eternal sisterhood by embracing our marginalized sisters.
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Anamika Chakravorty, Staff Reporter
