.svg)
Get ready to immerse yourself in the divine ambiance of Kali Puja on October 31! Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, is a grand celebration that recognizes the power of the goddess Kali - the divine feminine force in Hindu mythology. The history of this festival dates back to the medieval times and has been celebrated with much pomp and enthusiasm ever since. Known as a fierce destroyer of evil, Goddess Kali is revered on this day with intense devotion and love. From the beating of the drums to the chanting of the mantras, every aspect of Kali Puja mesmerizes believers and spectators alike. So join in the reverential fervor as we celebrate this awe-inspiring festival together!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>7th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Earliest Known Kali Worship</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first historical records of Goddess Kali worship can be traced back to the 7th century, in Sanskrit texts such as the Devi Mahatmya.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kali Appears in Bengali Literature</div><div class='timeline-text'>Goddess Kali and her cosmic energy featured prominently in many Bengali texts of the 16th century, indicating the rise of Shaktism in Bengal.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kali Becomes the State Deity</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 18th century, Goddess Kali became the state deity of the princely state of Koch Bihar, and her worship became a state-sponsored event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Raja Krishnachandra's Official Endorsement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Raja Krishnachandra, the famous ruler of Navadvipa, popularized Kali Puja in the 18th century, making it an event celebrated among the royal and noble families.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Community Celebrations Begin</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the early 20th century, Kali Puja became a community event with organized groups conducting public celebrations, akin to modern-day festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>After India's independence, Kali Puja became a nationally recognized festival celebrated across different parts of India.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Engage in traditional rituals</h3><p class='facts-text'>While participating in Kali Puja, one can engage in traditional rituals such as lighting diyas (oilon lamps), offering flowers and fruits to Kali, and chanting mantras. These actions are thought to invoke the Goddess' blessings.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Prepare festive meals</h3><p class='facts-text'>Food is a significant part of any celebration. In Kali Puja, people prepare traditional Bengali dishes, especially sweets. Experiment with recipes for rosogolla (cottage cheese balls in syrup), sandesh (a sweet made from milk), and more!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join in artistic expressions</h3><p class='facts-text'>Kali Puja creates an opportunity to appreciate the richness of Indian culture and art. You can participate by playing dhak (traditional drums), dancing to the rhythmic beats, or watching classical dance performances that traditionally take place during the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create altar for Kali at home</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you cannot attend a public celebration, create a small altar at home dedicated to Kali. Decorate it with images or statues of the Goddess, along with offerings like flowers, incense, and food.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in community service</h3><p class='facts-text'>In the spirit of Kali Puja, many people engage in acts of charity and community service. Volunteering your time or resources to those in need embodies the compassionate aspect of the Goddess Kali.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Embrace Divine Feminine Power</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Kali Puja gives us an opportunity to acknowledge and pay respect to the divine feminine power and its tremendous impact. By celebrating this holiday, we foster both individual and community appreciation for women and the significant roles they play.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Participation in Traditional Rituals Enhances Cultural Understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As we partake in the celebration involving traditional rituals, prayers, offerings, and mantra chanting, a rich gateway into understanding and admiring Hindu culture and religious practices is opened. Kali Puja is a beautiful festival that helps us deepen our cultural competency.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Inculcates the Quality of Community Service </h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The spirit of Kali Puja extends beyond conventional celebrations and encourages us to engage in acts of charity and service. Can there be a more divine way to celebrate than embracing kindness and compassion and serving those in need? This instills in us values of empathy and communal bonding.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kali Puja coincides with another significant Indian festival</h3><p class='facts-content'>Kali Puja is celebrated on the same day as Diwali, another significant Hindu festival, in many parts of India, especially in Bengal. However, while Diwali celebrates the victory of the good over evil, Kali Puja represents the defeat of ego and illusions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The goddess Kali's name has a deep meaning</h3><p class='facts-content'>Kali is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kal', which means time. As Goddess Kali, the divine feminine is considered to be the power behind time and change, the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are different forms of Kali worshipped during Kali Puja</h3><p class='facts-content'>Different forms of Kali such as Bhadra Kali, Shamshan Kali, Dakshina Kali, among others, are worshipped during this festival. Each form is believed to have unique powers and attributes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Various mythologies are associated with Kali Puja</h3><p class='facts-content'>Different myths underline the celebration of Kali Puja, including Kali's victory over the demon Raktavija. These stories emphasize fundamental life lessons and virtues such as the eternal victory of good over evil.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kali Puja is not just confined to India</h3><p class='facts-content'>While Kali Puja is most popularly observed in the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Orissa in India, it is also observed by diaspora communities in other parts of the world, reflecting the reach and influence of Indian culture and traditions globally.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
