Today Is Bijaya Dashami, Marking the End of Durga Puja with Farewell Melodies

Darwin, October 21: Today is the auspicious occasion of Bijaya Dashami. The five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, officially comes to an end today with the immersion of the idols. After five days of worship, festivities, and various celebrations, a note of farewell now echoes across the puja pandals.

The religious rituals of Bijaya Dashami began in the morning at various puja pandals with prescribed worship and Darpan Bisarjan (ritual immersion through a mirror). Offering their final anjali at the feet of the Goddess, devotees are bidding her farewell. The puja pandals have come alive with the rhythmic beats of dhak drums, the sound of conch shells, and the traditional ululation of women.

From noon onward, preparations for Sindoor Khela and idol immersion will take place at various locations. Processions carrying the idols will then set out for the immersion ghats. The formal conclusion of this year’s Sharadiya Durga Puja will be marked by the immersion of the idols.

One of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community, Durga Puja began on October 16 with Maha Shashthi. Following the rituals and worship of Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, and Maha Navami, Bijaya Dashami is being observed today.