Bengal will observe Kali Pujo on Monday, October 20, coinciding with Diwali, as devotees prepare to worship Goddess Kali during the sacred midnight hours of Dipannita Amavasya, the new moon night of Kartika.
The Amavasya Tithi begins at 1:14 PM on October 20 and ends at 3:24 PM on October 21. The most auspicious time for performing rituals, known as Nishita Kaal Muhurat, falls between 11:41 PM on October 20 and 12:31 AM on October 21—a 50-minute window considered most powerful for invoking the goddess’s blessings for protection and renewal, according to pujapurohit.in.
Historical and Cultural Context of Kali Pujo
The tradition of large-scale community celebrations dates to the 18th century when Raja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar formalized the worship. While most of India celebrates Diwali by honoring Goddess Lakshmi, Bengal dedicates this night to Goddess Kali, the formidable deity representing both destruction of evil and restoration of balance.
Ritual Observances
Devotees observe fasts throughout the day, breaking them only after midnight puja. Rituals include offerings of red hibiscus flowers, fruits, sweets, and bhog. Animal sacrifice, once traditional, has been largely replaced by symbolic substitutes including pumpkins, ash gourds, and cucumbers.
Sacred Food Offerings
The bhog thali represents pure, sattvic offerings prepared without onion or garlic. Traditional dishes include:
- Khichuri: Fragrant rice and moong dal preparation with Gobindobhog rice
- Bhaja: Crisp fried vegetables served in odd numbers
- Labra: Slow-cooked seasonal vegetable medley
- Luchi: Golden puffed breads symbolizing celebration
- Payesh: Rice pudding with milk, sugar, and dry fruits
- Niramish Mangsho: In certain households, mutton curry prepared without onion or garlic
Food expert Poorna Banerjee notes: “The meat should ideally come from a non-halal Bengal goat, and the spice paste is traditionally made on a shil nora (grinding stone) for authenticity.”
Some temples offer 108 food items representing abundance and devotion in its most elaborate form.
Contemporary Celebrations
Kali Pujo transforms Bengal with homes, temples, and pandals illuminated with diyas and lights. The festival maintains its deeply spiritual character, focusing on meditation, prayer, and offerings rather than mere celebration, extending from Kolkata to Bengali communities in London and New Jersey.
