Kali Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily by Bengalis and other devotees of the goddess Kali. The festival is observed on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November. Kali Puja is also known as Shyama Puja, Mahanisha Puja, and Dipanwita Puja. In this blog, we will delve into the history, significance, and celebrations of the Kali Puja festival in detail.

History of Kali Puja

The worship of the goddess Kali can be traced back to ancient India, where she was revered as a powerful and fierce deity. Maa Kali is considered to be a form of the divine mother, who represents the eternal feminine energy. According to Hindu mythology, Maa Kali is the embodiment of Shakti, or the divine feminine energy, who is believed to have arisen from the third eye of Lord Shiva.

The origin of Kali Puja can be traced back to the 18th century, during the reign of the Nawabs in Bengal. It is believed that the festival was first celebrated by the wealthy families of Bengal. However, over time, the festival gained widespread popularity and became an important part of Bengali culture.

Significance of Kali Puja

Kali Puja is a day to worship and seek the blessings of the goddess Kali. Maa Kali is associated with destruction, transformation, and rebirth. She is also known as the goddess of time, death, and sexuality. Maa Kali is worshipped as a symbol of power, strength, and fearlessness.

The festival of Kali Puja has great significance for Bengalis and other devotees of the goddess. It is believed that on this day, the goddess Kali appears on earth to bless her devotees and grant them their wishes. Devotees pray to Maa Kali to seek her protection and guidance in their lives.

Celebrations of Kali Puja

The celebrations of Kali Puja vary from region to region, but there are some common traditions that are followed across the country.

Preparations for the festival begin several days in advance. People clean their houses, decorate them with flowers, and prepare traditional sweets and delicacies. They also purchase new clothes and jewelry to wear on the day of the festival.

On the day of Kali Puja, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They then perform puja, or worship, to the goddess Kali. The puja is performed in homes and in temples, and it involves offering flowers, sweets, and other offerings to the goddess. Devotees also chant mantras and hymns in her honor.

In some parts of India, the festival is celebrated with elaborate processions. People dress up in traditional attire and carry idols of the goddess Kali through the streets. They sing hymns and devotional songs in praise of the goddess and offer prayers for her blessings.

The festival is also a time for feasting and socializing. Families and friends gather together to enjoy traditional Bengali delicacies, such as luchi, alur dom, and cholar dal. In some parts of India, fireworks are also set off to mark the occasion.

Conclusion

Kali Puja is a festival that celebrates the power and strength of the goddess Kali. The festival is a time for devotees to seek the blessings of the goddess and to express their devotion to her. The festival is also a time for socializing and feasting, and it brings people together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India. Kali Puja is an important festival in Bengal and other parts of India, and it continues to be celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of people every year.

Author

Darshita Nautiyal

(The images used in this podcast are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just to help the readers)