Kali Puja 2023: FAQs, Activities, History, Dates, and Facts about Bengal

Kali Puja 2023: Between October and November, during the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, the Kali Puja is performed. The date of occurrence is November 12 this year. Kali, the deity of life, death, and transcendence, is honored on this day. Kali is among the most captivating deities in the annals of Hindu mythology. She is described in the Bible as a dark woman possessing four limbs, one of which holds a sword and the other the head of a vanquished demon. Kali is adorned with a necklace comprised of skulls. She maintains a menacing stance while protruding her tongue from her mouth.

She retains the status of a tribal deity in certain regions, where she provides protection for individuals and particular areas. She is considered by some to be the mother of universal fortitude or the embodiment of divine wrath. Regardless of the variety of depictions, the numerous manifestations of Kali serve as evidence of her transformative power. Goddess Kali is revered with great devotion by the Odia, Bengalis, and Assamese of India. Kali Puja is their interpretation of the more traditionally pan-Indian festival Diwali.

Kali Puja History

West Bengal observes Diwali and Laxmi Puja in a manner distinct from the remainder of India. You will learn about various rituals, customs, and cuisines. Furthermore, in contrast to the remainder of the nation, West Bengali pujas honor the formidable deity Kali. Shaktipu, or divine energy, is represented by Kali. She eradicates malevolence both internally and externally; she is responsible for the universe’s redemption. Kali, alternatively referred to as Kalika, is the initial of ten formidable deities known in Hindu mythology as the Dasa Mahavidyas.

Additionally, her name conjures up images of time, mortality, and darkness. It is evident why statues bearing her visage are present in public spaces. Kali adorns herself with a garland comprised of severed demon heads, positioning one foot upon the bosom of Lord Shiva. The sight is both awe-inspiring and horrifying, and the tale has profound mythological significance.

According to legend, two malevolent beings named Nishambhu and Shambu once resided in the celestial domain of Indra, the supreme deity, where they instigated anarchy and devastation. The Gods were compelled to seek refuge in the Himalayas, where they communed with Goddess Durga, due to the demons’ increased strength. Kali emerged from the cranium of Durga in order to accomplish the restoration of equilibrium.

Kali initiated a mission to eradicate the spirits. She slaughtered them and fashioned their skulls into a garland to adorn her neck. However, wrath and power overcame Kali. She attacked without restraint, slaying all who crossed her path. Lord Shiva resolved to intervene, but an enraged Kali inadvertently trampled upon Shiva. She at last became cognizant of her actions. A moment in mythology is immortalized in popular depictions of the deity Kali by sculptors and artists.

The legend dates back to the earliest days of existence. Regarding the festival, less so. Kali Puja festivities began to gather traction in West Bengal during the 19th century. King Krishnachandra of Navadvipa and affluent Bengali proprietors were the movement’s leaders. Despite the fact that commoners initially complied with it in order to evade the wrath of the monarch, the custom gradually evolved into a tradition. Presently, in Bengal, Kali Puja and Durga Puja are emblematic of culture and existence. Ancient individuals bestow reverence at an assortment of Kali temples and sanctuaries. Some undertake extensive pilgrimages in her honor. Annual celebrations are magnificent and continue to grow in size.

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Kali Puja 2023 FAQs

Are Diwali and Kali Puja identical?

Diwali and Kali Puja commemorate the same day. Eastern Indians observe Goddess Kali on this day, as opposed to the majority of the country’s population observing Goddess Laxmi.

What is consumed during Kali Puja?

Bhoger Khichuri is the principal prasad (devotional offering) utilized in the puja. A traditional Bengali cuisine, it consists of lentils, rice, vegetables, and seasonings.

May I perform Kali worship within my home?

Kali can be invoked in both private residences and temples. In a designated sacrosanct space, chanting and meditation are customary components of Kali Puja performed at home.

Kali Puja 2023 Activities

Observe Kali Puja

In West Bengal, families honor the goddess Kali in temples or within their homes. The puja is performed overnight. Following the presentation of red hibiscus flowers (the deity’s preferred blossom), rice, sweets, and legumes, a celebration ensues the following day.

Explore the Kalighat fortress

Thousands of devotees gather in Kolkata to visit the magnificent Kalighat temple. The temple is among the holiest locations associated with Goddess Kali.

Feast until you are unable to do so.

During Kali Puja, the cuisine symbolizes the diversity of Bengal’s populace. Sample every dish, from the renowned Bengali mutton curry to Hakka Chinese delicacies and Mughal-inspired fare.

Five Bangal facts that will astound you

The initial British Indian capital

India was under British colonial authority from Calcutta (present-day Kolkata) until 1931, when the capital was relocated to New Delhi.

Location of Nobel Laureates

Bengal, widely regarded as the intellectual epicenter of India, has been the birthplace of several Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, and Mother Teresa.

Angry with football

Established in 1898, the Calcutta Football League is among the earliest in India.

The response of cricket to the Colosseum

The expansive Eden Gardens in Kolkata is the third-largest cricket stadium in the globe.

The only Chinatown in India

Since their arrival in the late 18th century, Hakka Chinese immigrants have coexisted harmoniously in the Tangra district of Kolkata, the only Chinese settlement in India.