Kali Puja 2026 At Kalighat Temple: Darshan, Timings And How To Reach

The Kalighat Temple in Kolkata is one of the most revered spiritual destinations in Eastern India. It is believed that this is the spot where the right toe of Goddess Sati fell and hence is recognized as one of the 51 powerful Shakti Peethas. The temple witnesses an inflow of thousands of devotees every single day, but its spiritual significance reaches its absolute peak during Kali Puja or Shyama Puja, as the locals call it. The entire sanctuary is transformed into a spiritual hub with midnight rituals, chanting, and devotees flocking in. If you are visiting the temple during this auspicious time, here’s everything you must know about Kali Puja 2026. 

All About Kalighat Temple Kali Puja

Kali Puja night is a midnight ritual dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is known as the first of the ten Mahavidyas in Hinduism. The worship at Kalighat extends deep into the midnight and the early morning hours of the next day. The devotees gather inside the temple complex for the special midnight bhog offering and the wonderful Maha Aarti. 

Kali Puja 2026 Timings

In 2026, Kali Puja is set to coincide with Diwali, which will be celebrated on November 8, 2026, on Sunday. The worship of Goddess Kali is performed during the night of Kartik Amavasya, or the new moon tithi. It is specifically timed during the midnight window, which is known as Nishita Kaal. 

• Kali Puja Date: November 8, 2026
• Kartik Amavasya Tithi: Begins at 11:27 AM on November 8, 2026, on Sunday, and ends on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 12:31 PM
• Kolkata Nishita Kaal For Kali Puja: 10:55 PM to 11:46 PM on November 8, 2026, Sunday. 
• Bhoot Chaturdashi: November 7, 2026, on Saturday 

Bhoot Chaturdashi is a traditional Bengali festival that is observed on a Chaturdashi, or the fourteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. It is generally the night before Kali Puja and Diwali and is dedicated to warding off wandering spirits. 

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Kalighat Temple Darshan Timings And Puja Schedule

• Mangala Aarti: 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM (The doors of the temple open and the early morning aarti begins. )
• Morning Darshan Session begins: 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM (The temple is now open for the general public. They can visit both the sanctum and the verandah.)
• Bhog Aarti: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (The afternoon bhog, or food, is offered to the Goddess.)
• Temple Closure: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (The temple doors are closed, as it is believed that the deity rests during this time.)
• Evening Darshan Session: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM (The temple reopens for evening visitors. This time is extended till 11:30 PM on weekends - Saturday and Sunday.)
• Sandhya Aarti: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (The evening illumination prayer is performed with heavy incense rituals.)
• Shayan aarti & closure of the temple: 10:30 PM (The final night prayers are performed before the doors are shut.)

On the night of Kali Puja, the temple stays open throughout the night. This is to facilitate special midnight pujas and Mahasnan rituals. 

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How To Reach Kalighat Temple

The revered Kalighat Temple is located in South Kolkata is easily accessible via various modes of transportation.

By Air

The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). 

The temple is located about 22 km away from the airport.

You can take the app-based cabs or pre-paid taxis in order to reach the temple in 45-75 minutes. The commute time completely depends on Kolkata traffic. 

By Train

The nearest railway station is the Howrah Railway Station, and it is about 8 km away from the temple. 

You can opt for app-based cabs, pre-paid taxis, or buses that are heading towards Garia or Hazra. 

The other nearest railway station is Sealdah Railway Station, which is just 6 km away from the temple. 

By Metro

The nearest metro station is Kalighat Metro Station (blue line) on Rashbehari Avenue. 

After alighting at this station, you have to take Exit 1, which directly faces the road that leads to the temple. 

The temple is just a short 8-10 minute walk away, or you can also take a brief auto-rickshaw to the temple if you are accompanied by elderly people. 

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Summing Up

The Kali Puja at the Kalighat Temple is one of the most important events in the east. The celebrations here are different from the ones that are observed in other parts of the country. They keep the temples open throughout the night for rituals and pujas that take place during Nishita Kaal and beyond.