Kali Puja

Artisan making an idol of goddess Kali, kumortuli, 2017

Boro Maa Naihati 2022

Kalighater Kali

Idol of goddess Kali kept near Nimtala ghat for Visarjan or Immersion in the waters of river Hooghly

Child bursting firecracker, Howrah, 2016

Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja or Mahakali Puja, is a festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated primarily in the regions of Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam in India, as well as in Bangladesh. This festival falls on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically overlaps with October or November in the Gregorian calendar. Kali Puja coincides with the festival of Diwali, a major Hindu festival celebrated across India, but in these regions, Kali Puja holds significant cultural and religious importance, sometimes overshadowing Diwali.

Origins and Significance

The origins of Kali Puja are not well-documented, but it is believed to have started during the late medieval period. The worship of Goddess Kali can be traced back to ancient texts, but the specific tradition of Kali Puja during the new moon of Kartik is a more recent development. Goddess Kali represents the destructive and protective aspects of divine energy. She is often depicted in a fierce form, standing over her consort, Lord Shiva, symbolizing the triumph of the divine force over evil. Kali Puja is a celebration of this divine power, seeking protection against evils and the removal of darkness (ignorance) from one's life.

Rituals and Practices

Kali Puja involves elaborate rituals that include the creation of a special altar for the goddess, the chanting of mantras, and the offering of animal sacrifices in some traditions, though vegetarian offerings are also common. The puja (worship) starts at midnight and continues until dawn, reflecting the goddess's association with the dark. Devotees offer red hibiscus flowers, sweets, rice, and lentils to the goddess. The ritual may also include the lighting of oil lamps and the bursting of fireworks, similar to Diwali celebrations.

Cultural Impact

Kali Puja has a profound cultural impact in the regions where it is celebrated. It is marked by large-scale pandals (temporary structures or tents) that house beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Kali, thematic decorations, and lighting arrangements. Cultural programs, such as dance, music performances, and dramas, are organized, drawing large crowds. The festival also has a social aspect, with community feasts and the distribution of prasad (sacred food).

Contemporary Observances

In contemporary times, Kali Puja has adapted to include more environmentally friendly practices, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of the celebrations. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials for idols and decorations, and a shift towards vegetarian offerings and symbolic sacrifices instead of actual animal sacrifices.

See Also

• Durga Puja
• Navaratri
• Diwali