Kali Puja 2026

Kali Puja: Worship of Mother Kali on the New Moon Night

Kali Puja is the worship of Goddess Kali on the night of Ashwayuja Bahula Amavasya, the same night as Deepavali. It is mainly celebrated in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Tripura. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana the focus of this night is Lakshmi Puja, while in Bengal it is the worship of Kali, also called Shyama Puja.

Who Is Mother Kali?

According to the Devi Mahatmyam, Kali emerged from the forehead of Goddess Durga to destroy the demons Chanda and Munda during the battle with Shumbha and Nishumbha, earning the name Chamunda. When every drop of the demon Raktabija's blood gave rise to a new demon, Kali stopped the blood from touching the ground and helped bring about his end. Her dark form, garland of skulls and outstretched tongue look fierce, but devotees see her as a protective mother. Saints like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa worshipped her as the Divine Mother.

How the Puja Is Done

• In Bengal, the puja is performed around midnight while Amavasya tithi is running.
• An idol of Kali is installed in temples and community pandals, and lamps are lit.
• Red hibiscus flowers are dear to Kali and are offered as garlands.
• At home, devotees can offer kumkum and red flowers to her picture and recite Devi stotras.
• Sweets, fruits and khichdi are offered as naivedyam.

For Telugu Devotees

Some Devi upasakas and families in the Telugu states who worship Durga or Kali on Amavasya nights also remember Mother Kali on this day. In cities like Hyderabad, the Bengali community sets up Kali Puja pandals that anyone can visit. Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja are both worship of the same Shakti in different forms.

Significance

Kali is the goddess of time. Devotees believe she destroys fear, ego and negative tendencies and grants courage.

May Mother Kali bless you with courage, protection and peace.