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{{Short description|Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Kali}}
{{Short description|Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Kali}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox holiday
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name = Kali Puja
| holiday_name = Kali Puja
|image       = Maa Kali Barasat Roy Chowdhury Bari.jpg
| image         = File:Kali Shakespeare Sarani Arnab Dutta 2010.JPG
|caption     = Kali Puja at Roy Chowdhury House at Barasat
| caption       = Goddess Kali
|nickname     =  
| nickname     =  
|observedby   = [[Hindu]]s
| observedby   = [[Hindu]]s
|date         = Decided by lunar calendar
| date         = Ashwayuja 30 ([[Hindu calendar#Amanta|Amanta]]) <br /> Karthika 15 ([[Hindu calendar#Purnimanta|Purnimanta]])
|observances = Prayers, Religious rituals (see [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]], [[prashad]])
| observances   = [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]], [[prasada]]m
|celebrations = [[Fireworks]]
| celebrations = [[Fireworks]]
|type         = Hindu
| type         = Hinduism
|longtype     = Hindu
| longtype     = Hinduism
|significance =  
| significance =  
|date2015    = 10 November
| date2025      = 20 October
|date2017    = 19 October
| date2026      = 8 November  
|date2018    = 06 November
| date2027      = 29 October  
|date2019    = 27 October
| date2028      = 17 October
|date2020    = 14 November
| frequency     = Every year
|frequency   = annual
 
}}
}}
'''Kali Puja''', also known as '''Shyama Puja''' or '''Mahanisha Puja''',<ref>[http://www.diwalifestival.org/regional-names-diwali.html Diwali]</ref> is a festival, originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], dedicated to the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] goddess [[Kali]], celebrated on the new moon day (Dipannita Amavasya) of the Hindu month [[Kartika (month)|Kartik]] especially in the regions of [[Bengal]], and in [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]] and the town of [[Titwala]] in [[Maharashtra]].<ref name = MK72>McDermott and Kripal p.72</ref> It coincides with the [[Lakshmi Puja]] day of [[Diwali]]. While the [[Hindu]] [[Bengali people|Bengalis]], [[Odia people|Odias]], [[Assamese people|Assamese]] and [[Maithili people|Maithils]] worship the goddess Kali<ref name = MK72/> on this day, the rest of India and Nepal worships goddess [[Lakshmi]] on Diwali.
'''Kali Puja''' (<!--Do not add Indic scripts per WP:INDICSCRIPT-->[[ISO 15919|ISO]]: {{transliteration|sa|ISO|Kālī Pūjā}}), also known as '''Shyama Puja''' or '''Mahanisha Puja''',<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.diwalifestival.org/regional-names-diwali.html |title=Diwali |access-date=30 October 2012 |archive-date=30 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130123128/http://www.diwalifestival.org/regional-names-diwali.html |url-status=live }}</ref> is a festival originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], dedicated to the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] goddess [[Kali]]. It is celebrated on the new moon day (Dipannita Amavasya) of the [[Hindu calendar]] month of [[Ashwayuja]] (according to the [[Hindu calendar#amanta|amanta]] tradition) or [[Kārtika (month)|Kartika]] (according to the [[Hindu calendar#purnimanta|purnimanta]] tradition). The festival is especially popular in the regions of [[Barasat]], [[Naihati]], [[Kolkata]], [[Basirhat]]<ref>{{Cite news |title=৬০০ বছরের পুরনো সংগ্রামপুর কালীপুজো! কীভাবে শুরু হয়েছিল এই পুজো? জেনে নিন ইতিহাস |url=https://bengali.news18.com/news/south-bengal/600-years-old-basirhat-sangrampur-kali-puja-history-how-this-puja-started-know-the-story-l18-local18-2385937.html |work=News18 Bangla |publisher=Network18 |language=bn |access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref> and [[Tamluk]] in [[West Bengal]], [[Bhagalpur]]<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/bhagalpur-dharma-grand-maa-kali-immersion-continues-for-36-hours-in-bhagalpur-central-government-also-keeps-eye-on-it-local18-8811084.html}}</ref> in [[Bihar]]'s [[Anga]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kali Puja 2025 Date: कब है काली पूजा? देखें कालीबाड़ी का शुभ मुहूर्त; यहां सोने के आभूषण से सजती हैं मां काली - kali puja 2025 date kali puja 2025 kab hai when is kali puja 2025 kali puja 2025 date timing rituals and subh muhurat |url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/bhagalpur-kali-puja-2025-date-kali-puja-2025-kab-hai-when-is-kali-puja-2025-kali-puja-2025-date-timing-rituals-and-subh-muhurat-40010876.html}}</ref> and other places like
[[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], and [[Tripura]]. Along with the neighbouring country of [[Bangladesh]].


==Legend==
==History==
As per the Kalikula sect of [[Shaktism]], the supreme celestial Mother goddess [[Mahakali]] took 10 manifestations to slay evils on the Earth, which are collectively known as [[Mahavidya]]s. Each Mahavidya has a day of incarnation in the Hindu calendar of 12 months. Out of those 10 Mahavidyas, the last goddess is '''[[Kamalatmika]]''', whose day of incarnation is celebrated as '''Kamalatmika Jayanti''', falls on the day of Deepavali. She is often recognized as 'Tantrik [[Lakshmi]]'. In the rest of Indian subcontinent, the day is associated with deity [[Rama]] or [[Krishna]]. Since both of them are central Gods of Vaishnavism, most Indians celebrate [[Deepavali]] as a Vaishnavite-oriented festival and thus worship [[Lakshmi]], the consort of [[Mahavishnu]] as the supreme mother Goddess.
Descriptions of Kali in Sanskrit texts from the late medieval period point to her growing popularity alongside other goddesses.{{sfn|McDermott|2001|p=166}} She appears in the vernacular genre of ''[[mangalkavya]]'' in the 17th century, and the ''Kalikamangalkavya'' describes worship to Kali.{{sfn|McDermott|2001|p=166, 172}}


However, in Eastern & Northeastern India, the Kalikuli Shakta faith being dominant, the root goddess of Kamalatmika, [[Mahakali]] is worshipped. Thus, the day eventually becomes Kali Puja.
Kali Puja is a major festival in West Bengal.{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|p=223}} Kali Puja became widespread in the eighteenth century through patrons.{{sfn|McDermott|2001|p=173}} In Bengal during the 18th century, King Krishnachandra of [[Nadia district|Nadia]] also made this puja wide spread.<ref name="MK72">{{harvnb|McDermott|Kripal|2003|p=72}}</ref> Kali Puja saw a surge in popularity in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise in prominence of the Kali devotee Sri Ramakrishna among Bengalis. This period marked a significant shift, as affluent landowners began to sponsor the festival extensively, leading to grander and more elaborate celebrations.{{sfn|McDermott|2001|p=173}}


==History==
== Significance ==
[[File:Artisan making an idol of goddess Kali, kumortuli, 2017.jpg|thumb|right|Artisan making an idol of goddess Kali at [[Kumortuli]], Kolkata.]]
Kali Puja is a reminder for devotees that they depend on Kali, who can be either compassionate or wrathful, and thus their life is fragile.{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|p=250}}
The festival of Kali Puja is not an ancient one. Kali Puja was practically unknown before the 16th century; famous sage Krisnananda Agambagish first initiated Kali puja, also a late 17th-century devotional text Kalika ''[[mangalkavya]]'' mentions an annual festival dedicated to Kali.<ref>McDermott p. 373</ref> In Bengal during the 18th century, King (Raja) Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar, Nadia, West Bengal also made this puja wide spread.<ref name="MK72" /> Kali Puja gained popularity in the 19th century, when kali saint Shri Ramkrishna became popular among the Bengalis ; wealthy landowners began patronizing the  festival on a grand scale.<ref>McDermott p. 173</ref> Along with [[Durga Puja]], Kali Puja is the biggest festival in Bengal and Assam.<ref>McDaniel p. 223</ref>
 
==Worship in Bengal==
[[File:Artisan making an idol of goddess Kali, kumortuli, 2017.jpg|thumb|[[Artisan]] making an idol of goddess Kali at [[Kumortuli]], [[Kolkata]]]]
[[File:Goddesses kali mata.jpg|thumb|Kali Puja celebration at amherst street in Kolkata]]Kali Puja takes place on the same night as [[Diwali]].{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|p=252}}
 
During Kali Puja worshippers honor the goddess Kali in their homes in the form of clay [[Murti|sculptures]] and in [[Pandal|''pandals'']] (temporary shrines or open pavilions). She is worshipped at night with [[Tantra|tantric]] rites and [[mantra]]s. She is prescribed offerings of red [[hibiscus]] flowers, sweets, rice, and lentils. It is prescribed that a worshipper should meditate throughout the night until dawn.{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|p=234}} Homes and ''pandals'' may also practice rites in the ''[[Brahmanical]]'' (mainstream Hindu-style, non-Tantric) tradition with ritual dressing of Kali in her form as Adya Shakti Kali and no animals are sacrificed. She is offered food and sweets made of rice, lentils, and fruits.{{sfn|McDaniel|2004|pp=249-250, 254}}
 
However, in Tantric tradition, animals are [[Animal sacrifice in Hinduism|ritually sacrificed]] on Kali Puja day and offered to the goddess.<ref name="MK72" /> A celebration of Kali Puja in [[Kolkata]] is held in a large [[Shmashana|cremation ground]]<ref name="f86">{{harvnb|Fuller|2004|p=86}}.</ref> (Kali is believed to dwell in cremation grounds).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Crooke |first1=William |author-link=William Crooke |title=Death; Death Rites; Methods of Disposal of the Dead among the Dravidian and Other Non-Aryan Tribes of India |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/40442412 |journal=Anthropos |date=1909 |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=457–476 |jstor=40442412}}</ref> [[Barasat]]-[[Madhyamgram]], [[Tamluk]], [[Ranaghat]], [[Barrackpore]], [[Naihati]], [[Basirhat]], areas of South Bengal and [[Siliguri]], [[Dhupguri]], [[Dinhata]], [[Coochbehar]] area of North Bengal is well known for their majestic pandals, lightings and Idols. Meanwhile Barasat's Kali Puja celebration is the largest in the entire West Bengal. Durga Puja of Kolkata is often said synonymously with Kali Puja of Barasat. The region experiences Lacs of footfalls during the days of the festival. People from different regions gather to witness the majestic ''pandals''.
 
The ''pandals'' also house images of Kali's consort, [[Shiva]], two famous Bengali Kali devotees named [[Ramakrishna]] and [[Bamakhepa]], along with scenes from mythology of Kali and her various forms, including images of the [[Mahavidya]]s, sometimes considered as the "ten Kalis." The Mahavidyas is a group of ten Tantric goddesses headed by Kali.{{sfn|Kinsley|1997|p=18}} People visit these ''pandals'' throughout the night. Kali Puja is also the time for magic shows, theater, and fireworks.<ref name = "MCDa">{{harvnb|McDaniel|2004|pp=249–50, 54}}.</ref> Recent custom has incorporated wine consumption.{{sfn|Harding|1998|p=134}}
 
In the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, Kali is worshipped as [[Lakshmi]] on this day. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees who give offerings to the goddess.<ref name="MK72" /><ref name="f86" /> Another famous temple dedicated to Kali in Kolkata is [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]], where Sri Rāmakrishna performed rites.{{efn|See {{harvnb|Harding|1998|pp=125–6}} for a detailed account of the rituals in Dakshineshwar.}}
 
==Kali Puja in Bhagalpur==
Kali Puja is a significant festival in the [[Anga]] region of [[Bihar]], particularly in [[Bhagalpur]]. It is also celebrated in other regions of Bihar like [[Munger]], [[Katihar]] and [[Purnea]].
 
[[File:Kali Puja in Bhagalpur (Parbatti).jpg|thumb|Parbatti Budhiya Kali]]
 
Bhagalpur's Kali Puja is a cultural vibrance with hundreds of Kali Puja Pandals throughout the district. Bhagalpur city has grand celebrations decked up with lights and pandals and a fervulent procession (which resembles the Carnival). The procession is not a new trend here, but a tradition that is followed as trend these days by many. After the puja, around 80-90 idols decks up in a line starting from the Station chowk to Kali visarjan ghat, and the procession with tableau from different puja committees, vibrant Aarti and lightings makes the city joyous and at the same time emotional.
 
[[File:Kali Puja in Bhagalpur.jpg|thumb|Bhagalpur Kali Puja (Champanagar)]]


==Worship==
The traditional procession has completed its 71years in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|title=भागलपुर की सड़कों पर सवार हैं मां काली, दशकों की अद्भुत परंपरा, रस्सी से खींचते हैं रथ - Kali Puja Bhagalpur Immersion of idols of Maa Kal wonderful tradition pulls chariots with rope |url=https://www.jagran.com/bihar/bhagalpur-kali-puja-bhagalpur-immersion-of-idols-of-maa-kal-wonderful-tradition-pulls-chariots-with-rope-23166177.html}}</ref> But, it is not the only procession, another procession with around 35-40 idols are taken from the Nathnagar area to Champa nadi ghat. Nonetheless, Bihpur of Bhagalpur has its own grand visarjan with 22 feet idols taken on the shoulders. The Bengali communities and Bari (Private) pujas do their ritual processions earlier than the bigger ones.
[https://www.bspirituality.com/2020/01/kali-puja-2020-2020.html] During kali puja (like [[Durga Puja]]) worshippers honour the goddess Kali in their homes in the form of clay [[Murti|sculptures]] and in [[Pandal|''pandal''s]] (temporary shrines or open pavilions). She is worshipped at night with [[Tantra|Tantric]] rites and [[mantra]]s. She is prescribed offerings of red [[hibiscus]] flowers, sweets, rice and lentils. It is prescribed that a worshipper should meditate throughout the night until dawn.<ref>McDaniel p. 234</ref> Homes and pandals may also practice rites in the ''[[Brahmanical]]'' (mainstream Hindu-style, non-Tantric) tradition with ritual dressing of Kali in her form as Adya Shakti Kali and no animals are sacrificed. She is offered food and sweets made of rice, lentils, and fruits.<ref name = "MCDa"/> However, in Tantric tradition, animals are [[Animal sacrifice in Hinduism|ritually sacrificed]] on Kali Puja day and offered to the goddess.<ref name = MK72/> A celebration of Kali Puja in [[Kolkata]], [[Bhubaneswar]] and in [[Guwahati]] is also held in a large [[Shmashana|cremation ground]]<ref name="f86">Fuller p. 86</ref> where she is believed to dwell. [[Barasat]], [[Madhyamgram]] region of [[North 24 Parganas district|North 24 Parganas]] is well known for their majestic pandals, lightings and Idols. [[Durga Puja]] of [[Kolkata]] is often said synonymously with Kali Puja of [[Barasat]]. The region experiences Lacs of footfalls during the days of the festival. People from different regions gather to witness the majestic Pandals.


The ''pandal''s also house images of Kali's consort, [[Shiva]], two famous Bengali Kali devotees named [[Ramakrishna]] and [[Bamakhepa]], along with scenes from mythology of Kali and her various forms, including images of the [[Mahavidya]]s, sometimes considered as the "ten Kalis." The Mahavidyas is a group of ten Tantric goddesses headed by Kali.<ref>Kinsley p.18</ref> People visit these ''pandals'' throughout the night. Kali Puja is also the time for magic shows, theater, and fireworks.<ref name = "MCDa">McDaniel pp. 249-50, 54</ref> Recent custom has incorporated wine consumption.<ref>Harding p. 134</ref>
[[File:Bama Kali, Babalpur, Bhagalpur.jpg|thumb|32feet Bama Kali of Bahbalpur, Bhagalpur]]


In the Kalighat Temple in [[Kolkata]], Kalikhetra Temple in [[Bhubaneswar]] and in Kamakhya Temple in [[Guwahati]], Kali is worshipped as [[Lakshmi]] on this day so as to reflect an essence of [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] Haldars on Kali worship. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali and Maha Saraswati on this day. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees who give offerings to the goddess.<ref name = MK72/><ref name = "f86"/> Another famous temple dedicated to Kali in Kolkata is [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]], where Sri Rāmakrishna performed rites.<ref>See Harding pp. 125-6 for a detailed account of the rituals in Dakshineshwar.</ref>
The largest traditional idol of Bhagalpur is of Bahbalpur Puja committee<ref>{{Cite web|title=सूबे की सबसे बड़ी 32 फीट की बमकाली बहबलपुर में होती है स्थापित |date=26 October 2024 |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/bhagalpur/story-massive-32-foot-kali-idol-installed-in-nathnagar-bihar-a-400-year-tradition-201729890198086.html}}</ref> which is around 32feet. Other big Kali idols include Parbatti Budhiya Kali (22feet), Maheshpur Badi Kali(25feet), Jarlahi (25 feet), Budhanath's Bama Kali (21 feet), etc.


==Other celebrations==
==Other celebrations==
[[File:Kalighater Kali.JPG|thumb|A Kali Puja pandal with a replica of the [[Kalighat Kali Temple]] icon.]]
[[File:Kalighater Kali.JPG|thumb|A Kali Puja pandal with a replica of the [[Kalighat Kali Temple]] icon.]]
[[File:Child bursting firecracker, Howrah, 2016.jpg|thumb|right|A child bursting firecracker in Bengal during Kali Puja]]
Although the widely popular annual Kali Puja celebration, also known as the ''Dipanwita Kali Puja'', is celebrated on the new moon day of the month of [[Kartika (month)|Kartika]], Kali is also worshipped in other new moon days too. Three other major Kali Puja observations are ''Ratanti Kali Puja'', ''Phalaharini Kali Puja'' and ''Kaushiki Amavasya Kali Puja''. Kaushiki amavasya Kali Puja is greatly associated with the goddess Tara of Tarapith as it is considered the day when Devi Tara appeared on earth and blessed sadhak [[Bamakhepa]], also according to the legends on this day the doors of both the "Naraka" and the "swarga" open for some time, while Ratanti puja is celebrated on [[Magha (month)|Magha]] Krishna Chaturdashi and Phalaharini puja is celebrated on [[Jyeshta]] Amavashya of Bengali calendar. The ''Phalaharini Kali Puja'' is especially important in the life of the saint [[Ramakrishna]] and his wife [[Sarada Devi]], since on this day in 1872, Ramakrishna worshipped Sarada Devi as the goddess [[Shodashi]].{{sfn|Gambhirananda|1955|pp=48–51}} In many Bengali and Assamese households, Kali is worshipped daily.{{sfn|Banerjee|1991|p=114}}
Although the widely popular annual Kali Puja celebration, also known as the ''Dipanwita Kali Puja'', is celebrated on the new moon day of the month of [[Kartika (month)|Kartika]], Kali is also worshipped in other new moon days too. Three other major Kali Puja observations are ''Ratanti Kali Puja'' , ''Phalaharini Kali Puja'' and ''Kaushiki Kali Puja''.Kaushiki kali puja is associated with Goddess Tara of Tarapith, while   Ratanti puja is celebrated on [[Magha (month)|Magha]] Krishna Chaturdashi and Phalaharini puja is celebrated on [[Jyeshta]] Amavashya of Bengali calendar. The ''Phalaharini Kali Puja'' is especially important in the life of the saint [[Ramakrishna]] and his wife [[Sarada Devi]], since on this day in 1872, Ramakrishna worshipped Sarada Devi as the goddess [[Shodashi]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gambhirananda |first1=Swami |title=Holy Mother Shri Sarada Devi |edition=1st |year=1955 |publisher=Shri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Madras |location=Madras |pages=48–51}}</ref> In many Bengali and Assamese households, Kali is worshipped daily.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Banerjee |first1=Suresh Chandra |title=Shaktiranga Bangabhumi |trans-title=Bengal, The Abode of Shaktism |edition=1st |year=1991 |publisher=Ananda Publishers Pvt Ltd |location=Kolkata |language=bn |isbn=81-7215-022-9 |page=114}}</ref>
[[File:Garha fatak(Jabalpur) Mahakali during dussehra chal samaroh.png|thumb|Garha fatak [[Jabalpur]] Mahakali idol(of Navratri) during dussehra chal samaroh]]
 
==Shyama Sangeet ==
 
Generally all music dedicated to goddess Mother [[Kali]] is called '[[Shyama Sangeet]]' in [[Bengali language|Bengali]]. Two famous singers of this Bengali Shyama Sangeet are [[Pannalal Bhattacharya]] and [[Dhananjay Bhattacharya]]. Pannalal Bhattacharya's elder brother Prafulla Bhattacharya and middle brother [[Dhananjay Bhattacharya]] were the first music teachers of saint artist [[Pannalal Bhattacharya]]. [[Dhananjay Bhattacharya]] stopped singing devotional songs after finding devotional spirit in his brother Pannalal. However, after the demise of [[Pannalal Bhattacharya]], he contributed again in [[Bengali music]] with many devotional songs by his sweet, melodious voice.


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
* Fuller, Christopher John. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC The camphor flame: popular Hinduism and society in India].''
===Citations===
* Harding, Elizabeth U. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=4woiJbQTsBQC Kali: the black goddess of Dakshineswar].''
{{reflist}}
* Kinsley, David R. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=oMW8WTrotKsC Tantric visions of the divine feminine: the ten mahāvidyās].''
...
* McDaniel, June. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=caeJpIj9SdkC Offering flowers, feeding skulls: popular goddess worship in West Bengal].''
 
* McDermott, Rachel Fell. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=2PrChFaXgf0C Mother of my heart, daughter of my dreams].''<!-- ''': Kālī and Umā in the devotional ...''' -->
===Works cited===
* McDermott, Rachel Fell; Kripal, Jeffrey John. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=bMUJyU_C-LkC Encountering Kālī: in the margins, at the center, in the West].''
* {{cite book |last1=Banerjee |first1=Suresh Chandra |title=Shaktiranga Bangabhumi |trans-title=Bengal, The Abode of Shaktism |edition=1st |year=1991 |publisher=Ananda Publishers Pvt Ltd |location=Kolkata |language=bn |isbn=81-7215-022-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Fuller |first=Christopher John |year=2004 |title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=978-0-691-12048-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Gambhirananda |first1=Swami |title=Holy Mother Shri Sarada Devi |edition=1st |year=1955 |publisher=Shri Ramakrishna Ashrama |location=Madras}}
* {{cite book |last=Harding |first=Elizabeth U. |year=1998 |title=Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar |place=India |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers |isbn=978-81-208-1450-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Kinsley |first=David R. |year=1997 |title=Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine: The Ten Mahavidyas |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-91772-9}}
* {{cite book |last=McDaniel |first=June |year=2004 |title=Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-534713-5}}
* {{cite book |last=McDermott |first=Rachel Fell |year=2001 |title=Mother of My Heart, Daughter of My Dreams: Kali and Uma in the Devotional Poetry of Bengal |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-803071-3}}
* {{cite book |last1=McDermott |first1=Rachel Fell |last2=Kripal |first2=Jeffrey John |title=Encountering Kali: In the Margins, at the Center, in the West |year=2003 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-23240-2}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* McDermott, Rachel Fell (2011). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=ggBeH_lmUu8C Revelry, Rivalry, and Longing for the Goddesses of Bengal: The Fortunes of Hindu Festivals]''.
* {{cite book |last=McDermott |first=Rachel Fell |year=2011 |title=Revelry, Rivalry, and Longing for the Goddesses of Bengal: The Fortunes of Hindu Festivals |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-12919-0}}
* [https://www.academia.edu/19972617/Phalaharini_Kali_Prabuddha_Bharata_January_2016 Narasimhananda, Swami, Prabuddha Bharata, January 2016, The Phalaharini Kali.]
* {{cite book |translator-last=Saraswati |translator-first=Swami Satyananda |year=1999 |title=Kali Puja |publisher=1st World Publishing |isbn=1-887472-64-9}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.bengalifestivalstimedate.club/2018/10/kali-puja-2019-time-and-date-diwali.html Kali Puja] celebrated in India and Bangladesh
* {{Commons category-inline}}
{{Commons category|Kali Puja}}
* [https://www.bengalifestivalstimedate.club/2018/10/kali-puja-2019-time-and-date-diwali.html Kali Puja] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412092414/https://www.bengalifestivalstimedate.club/2018/10/kali-puja-2019-time-and-date-diwali.html |date=12 April 2019 }} celebrated in India and Bangladesh


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{{Tourist attractions in Kolkata}}
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{{Bengali Hindu people}}
{{Bengali Hindu people}}
{{Culture of West Bengal}}
{{Culture of West Bengal}}
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[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Kali]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in Bangladesh]]

Latest revision as of 12:35, 20 December 2025

Kali Puja
Goddess Kali
Observed byHindus
TypeHinduism
CelebrationsFireworks
ObservancesPuja, prasadam
DateAshwayuja 30 (Amanta)
Karthika 15 (Purnimanta)
2025 date20 October
2026 date8 November
2027 date29 October
2028 date17 October
FrequencyEvery year

Kali Puja (ISO: Kālī Pūjā), also known as Shyama Puja or Mahanisha Puja,[1] is a festival originating from the Indian subcontinent, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. It is celebrated on the new moon day (Dipannita Amavasya) of the Hindu calendar month of Ashwayuja (according to the amanta tradition) or Kartika (according to the purnimanta tradition). The festival is especially popular in the regions of Barasat, Naihati, Kolkata, Basirhat[2] and Tamluk in West Bengal, Bhagalpur[3] in Bihar's Anga,[4] and other places like Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura. Along with the neighbouring country of Bangladesh.

History[edit | edit source]

Descriptions of Kali in Sanskrit texts from the late medieval period point to her growing popularity alongside other goddesses.[5] She appears in the vernacular genre of mangalkavya in the 17th century, and the Kalikamangalkavya describes worship to Kali.[6]

Kali Puja is a major festival in West Bengal.[7] Kali Puja became widespread in the eighteenth century through patrons.[8] In Bengal during the 18th century, King Krishnachandra of Nadia also made this puja wide spread.[9] Kali Puja saw a surge in popularity in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise in prominence of the Kali devotee Sri Ramakrishna among Bengalis. This period marked a significant shift, as affluent landowners began to sponsor the festival extensively, leading to grander and more elaborate celebrations.[8]

Significance[edit | edit source]

Kali Puja is a reminder for devotees that they depend on Kali, who can be either compassionate or wrathful, and thus their life is fragile.[10]

Worship in Bengal[edit | edit source]

Artisan making an idol of goddess Kali at Kumortuli, Kolkata
Kali Puja celebration at amherst street in Kolkata

Kali Puja takes place on the same night as Diwali.[11]

During Kali Puja worshippers honor the goddess Kali in their homes in the form of clay sculptures and in pandals (temporary shrines or open pavilions). She is worshipped at night with tantric rites and mantras. She is prescribed offerings of red hibiscus flowers, sweets, rice, and lentils. It is prescribed that a worshipper should meditate throughout the night until dawn.[12] Homes and pandals may also practice rites in the Brahmanical (mainstream Hindu-style, non-Tantric) tradition with ritual dressing of Kali in her form as Adya Shakti Kali and no animals are sacrificed. She is offered food and sweets made of rice, lentils, and fruits.[13]

However, in Tantric tradition, animals are ritually sacrificed on Kali Puja day and offered to the goddess.[9] A celebration of Kali Puja in Kolkata is held in a large cremation ground[14] (Kali is believed to dwell in cremation grounds).[15] Barasat-Madhyamgram, Tamluk, Ranaghat, Barrackpore, Naihati, Basirhat, areas of South Bengal and Siliguri, Dhupguri, Dinhata, Coochbehar area of North Bengal is well known for their majestic pandals, lightings and Idols. Meanwhile Barasat's Kali Puja celebration is the largest in the entire West Bengal. Durga Puja of Kolkata is often said synonymously with Kali Puja of Barasat. The region experiences Lacs of footfalls during the days of the festival. People from different regions gather to witness the majestic pandals.

The pandals also house images of Kali's consort, Shiva, two famous Bengali Kali devotees named Ramakrishna and Bamakhepa, along with scenes from mythology of Kali and her various forms, including images of the Mahavidyas, sometimes considered as the "ten Kalis." The Mahavidyas is a group of ten Tantric goddesses headed by Kali.[16] People visit these pandals throughout the night. Kali Puja is also the time for magic shows, theater, and fireworks.[17] Recent custom has incorporated wine consumption.[18]

In the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, Kali is worshipped as Lakshmi on this day. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees who give offerings to the goddess.[9][14] Another famous temple dedicated to Kali in Kolkata is Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where Sri Rāmakrishna performed rites.< [lower-alpha 1]

Kali Puja in Bhagalpur[edit | edit source]

Kali Puja is a significant festival in the Anga region of Bihar, particularly in Bhagalpur. It is also celebrated in other regions of Bihar like Munger, Katihar and Purnea.

Parbatti Budhiya Kali

Bhagalpur's Kali Puja is a cultural vibrance with hundreds of Kali Puja Pandals throughout the district. Bhagalpur city has grand celebrations decked up with lights and pandals and a fervulent procession (which resembles the Carnival). The procession is not a new trend here, but a tradition that is followed as trend these days by many. After the puja, around 80-90 idols decks up in a line starting from the Station chowk to Kali visarjan ghat, and the procession with tableau from different puja committees, vibrant Aarti and lightings makes the city joyous and at the same time emotional.

Bhagalpur Kali Puja (Champanagar)

The traditional procession has completed its 71years in 2024.[19] But, it is not the only procession, another procession with around 35-40 idols are taken from the Nathnagar area to Champa nadi ghat. Nonetheless, Bihpur of Bhagalpur has its own grand visarjan with 22 feet idols taken on the shoulders. The Bengali communities and Bari (Private) pujas do their ritual processions earlier than the bigger ones.

32feet Bama Kali of Bahbalpur, Bhagalpur

The largest traditional idol of Bhagalpur is of Bahbalpur Puja committee[20] which is around 32feet. Other big Kali idols include Parbatti Budhiya Kali (22feet), Maheshpur Badi Kali(25feet), Jarlahi (25 feet), Budhanath's Bama Kali (21 feet), etc.

Other celebrations[edit | edit source]

A Kali Puja pandal with a replica of the Kalighat Kali Temple icon.

Although the widely popular annual Kali Puja celebration, also known as the Dipanwita Kali Puja, is celebrated on the new moon day of the month of Kartika, Kali is also worshipped in other new moon days too. Three other major Kali Puja observations are Ratanti Kali Puja, Phalaharini Kali Puja and Kaushiki Amavasya Kali Puja. Kaushiki amavasya Kali Puja is greatly associated with the goddess Tara of Tarapith as it is considered the day when Devi Tara appeared on earth and blessed sadhak Bamakhepa, also according to the legends on this day the doors of both the "Naraka" and the "swarga" open for some time, while Ratanti puja is celebrated on Magha Krishna Chaturdashi and Phalaharini puja is celebrated on Jyeshta Amavashya of Bengali calendar. The Phalaharini Kali Puja is especially important in the life of the saint Ramakrishna and his wife Sarada Devi, since on this day in 1872, Ramakrishna worshipped Sarada Devi as the goddess Shodashi.[21] In many Bengali and Assamese households, Kali is worshipped daily.[22]

Garha fatak Jabalpur Mahakali idol(of Navratri) during dussehra chal samaroh

Shyama Sangeet[edit | edit source]

Generally all music dedicated to goddess Mother Kali is called 'Shyama Sangeet' in Bengali. Two famous singers of this Bengali Shyama Sangeet are Pannalal Bhattacharya and Dhananjay Bhattacharya. Pannalal Bhattacharya's elder brother Prafulla Bhattacharya and middle brother Dhananjay Bhattacharya were the first music teachers of saint artist Pannalal Bhattacharya. Dhananjay Bhattacharya stopped singing devotional songs after finding devotional spirit in his brother Pannalal. However, after the demise of Pannalal Bhattacharya, he contributed again in Bengali music with many devotional songs by his sweet, melodious voice.

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ See Harding 1998, pp. 125–6 for a detailed account of the rituals in Dakshineshwar.

References[edit | edit source]

Citations[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Diwali". Archived from the original on 30 November 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  2. ↑ "৬০০ বছরের পুরনো সংগ্রামপুর কালীপুজো! কীভাবে শুরু হয়েছিল এই পুজো? জেনে নিন ইতিহাস". News18 Bangla (in Bengali). Network18. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  3. ↑ https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/bhagalpur-dharma-grand-maa-kali-immersion-continues-for-36-hours-in-bhagalpur-central-government-also-keeps-eye-on-it-local18-8811084.html. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ↑ "Kali Puja 2025 Date: कब है काली पूजा? देखें कालीबाड़ी का शुभ मुहूर्त; यहां सोने के आभूषण से सजती हैं मां काली - kali puja 2025 date kali puja 2025 kab hai when is kali puja 2025 kali puja 2025 date timing rituals and subh muhurat".
  5. ↑ McDermott 2001, p. 166.
  6. ↑ McDermott 2001, p. 166, 172.
  7. ↑ McDaniel 2004, p. 223.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 McDermott 2001, p. 173.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 McDermott & Kripal 2003, p. 72
  10. ↑ McDaniel 2004, p. 250.
  11. ↑ McDaniel 2004, p. 252.
  12. ↑ McDaniel 2004, p. 234.
  13. ↑ McDaniel 2004, pp. 249-250, 254.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Fuller 2004, p. 86.
  15. ↑ Crooke, William (1909). "Death; Death Rites; Methods of Disposal of the Dead among the Dravidian and Other Non-Aryan Tribes of India". Anthropos. 4 (2): 457–476. JSTOR 40442412.
  16. ↑ Kinsley 1997, p. 18.
  17. ↑ McDaniel 2004, pp. 249–50, 54.
  18. ↑ Harding 1998, p. 134.
  19. ↑ "भागलपुर की सड़कों पर सवार हैं मां काली, दशकों की अद्भुत परंपरा, रस्सी से खींचते हैं रथ - Kali Puja Bhagalpur Immersion of idols of Maa Kal wonderful tradition pulls chariots with rope".
  20. ↑ "सूबे की सबसे बड़ी 32 फीट की बमकाली बहबलपुर में होती है स्थापित". 26 October 2024.
  21. ↑ Gambhirananda 1955, pp. 48–51.
  22. ↑ Banerjee 1991, p. 114.

...

Works cited[edit | edit source]

  • Banerjee, Suresh Chandra (1991). Shaktiranga Bangabhumi [Bengal, The Abode of Shaktism] (in Bengali) (1st ed.). Kolkata: Ananda Publishers Pvt Ltd. ISBN 81-7215-022-9.
  • Fuller, Christopher John (2004). The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-12048-5.
  • Gambhirananda, Swami (1955). Holy Mother Shri Sarada Devi (1st ed.). Madras: Shri Ramakrishna Ashrama.
  • Harding, Elizabeth U. (1998). Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar. India: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. ISBN 978-81-208-1450-9.
  • Kinsley, David R. (1997). Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine: The Ten Mahavidyas. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-91772-9.
  • McDaniel, June (2004). Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-534713-5.
  • McDermott, Rachel Fell (2001). Mother of My Heart, Daughter of My Dreams: Kali and Uma in the Devotional Poetry of Bengal. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-803071-3.
  • McDermott, Rachel Fell; Kripal, Jeffrey John (2003). Encountering Kali: In the Margins, at the Center, in the West. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-23240-2.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • McDermott, Rachel Fell (2011). Revelry, Rivalry, and Longing for the Goddesses of Bengal: The Fortunes of Hindu Festivals. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-12919-0.
  • Kali Puja. Translated by Saraswati, Swami Satyananda. 1st World Publishing. 1999. ISBN 1-887472-64-9.

External links[edit | edit source]

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