India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’: Symbolism Behind the Military Strike

Himanshi Narwal first emerged as a symbol of tragedy and later became a target of widespread animosity.

Last month, Narwal was photographed sitting beside her slain husband, one of the 26 victims killed in a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. When India launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistan, Narwal’s image came to embody the reasoning behind naming the mission ‘Operation Sindoor.’

Sindoor, a vermilion red powder, is traditionally used by Hindu married women, applied along the hair parting or forehead, and removed upon widowhood. During the April 22 terrorist attack, many women were left widowed after their husbands were targeted for their Hindu faith. Yet, Narwal’s story received exceptional media attention after her photo alongside her husband went viral.

The Indian government’s choice of the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ underscores its intent to avenge the widows affected by the attack. The Indian military’s announcement on social media featured a stark image of spilled sindoor powder resembling splattered blood.

Additionally, the operation’s name sends a message to Hindu nationalist groups—many of whom uphold traditional gender roles—that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is responding to their calls for retribution.