Durga Puja 2024: 5 temples to visit in Kolkata to participate in Sindoor Khela celebrations

Durga Puja is at its end and we are sure you are feeling the after-effects of saying goodbye to the magical festive season once again. But wait, there is still one very important celebration that's pending! Today, on the occasion of Vijaydashami, as we prepare to bid farewell to Goddess Durga, women participate in one last ritual. Yes, we are talking about the iconic Sindoor Khela festivities. If you are a resident or have come to Kolkata, especially for the Durga Puja celebrations, take a look at these 5 Goddess Kali temples you must visit to take part in Sindoor Khela.

Must-visit temples in Kolkata during Durga Puja for Sindoor Khela celebrations

1)?Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Located on the eastern banks of River Hooghly, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple was built in 1855 by devotee and philanthropist Rani Rashmoni. The temple is popular for its association with the spiritual leader Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The temple complex houses a grand shrine of Goddess Kali along with surrounding temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Radha Krishna.

2) Kalighat Kali Temple

One of the oldest temples in Kolkata which is dedicated to Goddess Kali, Kalighat Kali Temple is said to be one of the?51 Shakti Peethas. The ancient temple is of great religious importance and attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the Durga Puja. The temple houses a unique black stone idol of Goddess Kali with three large eyes and a protruding tongue. If you are strapped for time and do not have the luxury to go to multiple places, this is the one temple you should definitely cross off your Durga Pujo bucket list.? ?

3)?Thanthania Kali Bari

Credit: X | Sindoor Khela representative image

Located in Kolkata's College Street area, the ancient temple is said to have been established by Shankar Ghosh, the grandfather of?Swami Subhodhananda. Considered to be a Tantric temple, the temple houses an idol of Siddheswari Devi, a clay version of Kali. The idol is painted in black and red every year during the Durga Puja celebrations and women are welcome to take part in Sindoor Khela festivities at the end of the Durga Puja.

4) Belur Math

Credit: X | Sindoor Khela representative image

Located on the banks of River Hooghly, Belur Math is a world-renowned cultural centre which was founded in 1897 by Swami Vivekanand. Famous for its unique architecture which combines building elements of Christian, Hindu and Islamic faiths, the temple is a symbol of unity. The temple boats a huge campus where women participate ain Sindoor Khela celebrations every year during the Durga Puja festivities by applying vermilion on each other.

5)?Lake Kalibari

Credit: X | Sindoor Khela representative image

Situated near Kolkata's?Southern Avenue, the Lake Kali Bari Temple was first established in 1949 as a retreat for devotees who are seeking blessings from Goddess Kali. While the temple is small in size, it holds great importance and value for devotees. Every year during the Durga Puja festivities the temple organises lively Sindoor Khela celebrations where everyone is welcome.

Also Read:?Durga Puja 2024: 6 must-visit pandals in Kolkata that will make your jaw drop with their creativity

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