What is Kali Puja?
Kali Puja, also called Shyama Puja, is celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Tripura on the new moon night of Kartik, the same night the rest of India celebrates Diwali. Devotees worship Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Shakti who destroys evil and protects her children.
Bhoot Chaturdashi
The night before Kali Puja is Bhoot Chaturdashi. Bengali families light fourteen lamps around the house and eat a dish of fourteen leafy greens, called choddo shaak, to keep away evil spirits and honour their ancestors.
A night of worship
Kali Puja is performed at night, often continuing until dawn. Famous temples like Kalighat, Dakshineswar and Tarapith draw huge crowds, neighbourhood pandals set up striking idols of the goddess, and homes glow with diyas, candles and fireworks.