While the rest of India celebrates Diwali with great zeal, there are certain regions in Eastern India that also celebrate Kali Puja during this time. In Eastern India, it is particularly observed in Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha, falling on October 20 in 2025. Also referred to as Shyama Puja or Mahanisha Puja, this festival is celebrated on the Amavasya or full moon night in the Hindu month of Kartik. Keep reading to know more about this divine festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine energy of Maa Kali.
Kali Puja 2025: Significance, Celebration, Tips, And More
Significance Of Kali Puja 2025
Kali Puja is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a divine, fierce form of Goddess Durga. The goddess is believed to have slayed many demons, protecting her devotees from evil forces. One particular legend in Hinduism that testifies Goddess Kali’s power is that of Raktabija. He was a powerful demon who had a boon – each drop of his blood spilled on the ground would give birth to a new demon. When Goddess Kali tried to defeat him, she used a smart tactic – she drank all his blood before it could touch the ground, thus killing the demon and annihilating evil.
This day symbolizes the destruction of ego, ignorance, and darkness and the victory of truth, goodwill, and light. Devotees engage in worshipping the goddess, believing that she’ll bless devotees with spiritual enlightenment and the courage to fight evil forces.
Kali Puja 2025 Date Dilemma
Many devotees are often confused about the dates of Kali Puja, mainly because it overlaps with Diwali festivities. Worry not, Kali Puja 2025 will be celebrated on October 20 this year. It is different from the Lakshmi Puja festivities that will be observed on either October 20 or October 21 depending on the region.
This ambiguity and variation results from regional priorities and panchang (almanac) interpretations. For Kali Puja, the tithi (date and time) of the Amavasya is crucial. Since the Amavasya tithi for Kali Puja 2025 is beginning on the afternoon of October 20th in 2025, the subsequent midnight is believed by devotees to be the most auspicious time for invoking Goddess Kali’s blessings.
How To Do Kali Puja: Core Rituals Of The Festival
The puja is usually conducted in the Amavasya tithi, which is often during midnight – a time when the deity’s powers are believed to be at their most potent. Here are some key rituals of the festival:
- Preparation of the altar: The altar of Maa Kali is cleaned, purified, and decorated with red hibiscus flowers. Around it, motifs of red and black adorn the space. The image or idol of the deity is also cleaned and placed back in the altar.
- Offering bhog: The deity is then offered a ritualistic food offering called ‘bhog’. This comprises sweets, a porridge-like dish called khichuri, as well as fish or meat in some traditions. Earlier, animal sacrifices were also common, but today, vegetables like gourds or pumpkins are offered as sacrifices.
- Nishita Puja: The main puja, as said earlier, begins at midnight/. Devotees chant powerful Kali mantras to invoke her presence. They also conduct aartis to please the goddess and seek her blessings.
- Aarti and prasad: After chants are recited, devotees conduct aarti and then distribute the bhog among all attendees.
Tips For Observing Kali Puja 2025
- Involve all family members, including kids and tell their curious minds about the significance of this day.
- Go for natural materials like flowers, clay diyas, and reusable decoration material to make the celebration more meaningful and sustainable.
- Engage in spiritual practices such as meditation and introspection on this occasion. If you’re religious, engage in activities like singing bhajans, kirtans, and other devotional songs. This will not only invoke the deity’s blessings but also make the atmosphere more lively and spiritual.
- Extend the spirit of the festival by participating in donation drives for the needy and underprivileged. You can also do philanthropic work for NGOs and human aid organizations on an international level by simply donating funds.
- Dress respectfully in traditional clothes. Go for ethnic outfits and respect local traditions and customs even if you may not always agree with it all.
Summing Up
Kali Puja 2025 is a reminder that like many other festivals in Hinduism, this one is also centered around the philosophy of good vs. evil – where good deeds always prevail. Widely observed in West Bengal and other parts of East India, this festival honors Maa Kali. This Kali Puja, mark your calendars for a day filled with austerities, celebration, and spiritual awakening.
