Festival pujas
Kali Puja Vidhi
The night-time worship of Goddess Kali on Kartika Amavasya (Diwali night) in Bengal, Assam and Odisha.
Why is Kali Puja Vidhi performed?
Kali, the fierce form of the Mother, destroys evil and protects her devotees.
Who performs it?
Bengali, Assamese and Odia communities, with pandals in many cities.
When to perform it
On Kartika Amavasya night (usually the same night as Diwali Lakshmi Puja), with the main worship at Nishita kaal around midnight.
Preparing at home
Community pujas arrange a purohit, 108 red hibiscus (jaba) flowers, lamps and bhog of khichuri, labra and sweets. Home pujas are usually simpler, with a picture or small image of Kali.
After the puja
Bhog is shared with everyone; in Bengal Bhai Phonta (Bhai Dooj) follows two days later.
Regional traditions
Celebrated mainly in Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Mithila; famous pujas are held at Kalighat and Dakshineswar in Kolkata.
Things to avoid
Night pujas are long — plan transport home in advance and keep children warm.
Puja vidhi — step by step
- Avahan — The goddess is invoked at night (Nishita kaal).
- Jaba offering — 108 red hibiscus flowers are offered.
- Homa — Fire offerings.
- Bhog — Bhog is offered and shared.
- Aarti and prasad — The puja ends with aarti, pushpanjali (offering flowers), prayers for forgiveness of any mistakes, and distribution of prasad.
Families and pandits follow different traditions; your pandit may add or skip steps.
Samagri — what you need
- Roli / kumkum
- Haldi (turmeric)
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Flowers and garlands
- Incense sticks
- Diya, ghee and cotton wicks
- Camphor
- Betel leaves and supari
- Fruits
- Sweets for prasad
- Coconut
- Kalash with mango leaves
- Gangajal
- Red/yellow cloth for the altar
- Red hibiscus (jaba) — 108
- Lamps (108)
- Bhog of khichuri, labra and sweets
Most pandits bring the special items; confirm the list when they contact you.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Kali Puja?
On the night of Kartika Amavasya, the same night as Diwali Lakshmi Puja in most places.
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