Sindhara Dooj 2023 Date, Time, Rituals & Significance
On the second day of Navratri, all of northern India’s women observe Sindhara Dooj, one of the most auspicious and vibrant festivals. It is a day in which all celebrations are devoted to daughters-in-law. On this day, some women also fast and pray for the longevity of their spouses.
In certain regions of Northern India, all women commemorate Sindhara Dooj with great vigor and enthusiasm. In some regions, women also exchange gifts and wear traditional clothing. Gauri Puja is performed with utmost devotion in the evening, along with the offering of sweets and blossoms. Sindhara Dooj is also known as Saubhagya Dooj, Gauri Dwitiya, or Sthanya Vriddhi. On this day, Maa Brahmacharini is also worshipped.
Sindhara Dooj Date 2023
Monday, 16 October 2023
Rituals of Sindhara Dooj
- On the occasion of Sindhara Dooj, women dress in their traditional attire and adorn themselves with their finest jewelry. On this day, they purchase new coordinating bangles and also exchange gifts. Both married and unmarried women decorate their hands and ankles with mehendi.
- Another highlight of this festival is the swings. On the day of Sindhara Dooj, a number of swings are attached to trees. In the evening, women enjoy sitting on these swings and singing and dancing to traditional folk melodies.
- On Sindhara Dooj, it is customary for mother-in-laws to give gifts to their daughter-in-laws.
- The day before, daughter-in-laws bring presents and sweets to their parents’ residence.
- They remain there for a day and return the following evening with her mother’s ‘baya,’ which contains additional sweets, fruits, and delicacies, as well as a monetary token.
- In the evening, ‘Gaur Mata’ puja (an incarnation of the goddess Parvati) is performed with devotion. Women make numerous offerings to the Goddess statue, including dhoop, lamp, rice, flowers, and treats. After the puja, the daughter-in-laws must present their respective mothers-in-law with the ‘baya’.
- On Sindhara Dooj, devotees also venerate ‘Brahmacharini Navdurga Mata’ and ‘Tara Dasamahavidya’ in certain regions of Northern India.
- On this day, Maheswari Saptamatrika’ puja is performed in the temples of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while in a few temples, people observe the ‘Balatripura Sundari’ puja.
Significance of Sindhara Dooj
Sindhara Dooj is a significant festival observed by women. In India, Sindhara is a celebration honoring the daughter-in-laws. The commencement of this festival marks the beginning of the monsoon season, and people receive relief from the sweltering sun. Sindhara Dooj distributes waves of happiness to everyone. Married women execute all Sindhara Dooj rituals with complete devotion for the health and longevity of their husbands. On this day, unmarried women pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (the divine couple) for a good spouse and a happy married life.
