Why do Bengali women play with sindoor on Vijayadashami?

Sindoor Khela, a traditional Bengali ritual observed on Vijayadashami, marks Goddess Durga's farewell at the end of Durga Puja. Women apply vermilion to the Goddess before applying it to each other, symbolising marital well-being and the family's prosperity. Sindoor is also applied to the shankha (conch shell), coral, and iron bangles that are traditionally worn by Bengali married women.