Kali Puja is celebrated on the new moon night (Amavasya) of Kartik, the same night many families celebrate Diwali. It is especially important in Bengal, Assam and Odisha. The puja is usually done late at night, so planning ahead matters.

What happens during Kali Puja

  • The Goddess is invoked in an idol or picture, with mantras and offerings.
  • Offerings include red hibiscus (jaba) flowers, lamps, sweets and bhog.
  • Many families also light 14 lamps (choddo prodip) on the night before.
  • The puja ends with aarti, pushpanjali and distribution of prasad.

What to arrange

  • A clean altar space with a red cloth.
  • Kali idol or picture, red hibiscus flowers and a garland.
  • Diyas, ghee or oil, incense and camphor.
  • Fruits, sweets and the bhog your family traditionally offers.
  • The samagri list from your pandit, which differs by family tradition.

Questions to ask your pandit

  1. Which tradition do you follow, and is it the same as my family's?
  2. What time will the puja start and how long will it take?
  3. Will you bring samagri, or should we arrange it?
  4. What is the total dakshina, including travel at night?