Kali Puja (Shyama Puja)

Diwali Night in the East

In West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, the new-moon night of Kartik is given to Kali rather than Lakshmi. Kali Puja, also called Shyama Puja, is the most important night of Diwali in these regions. In Bengal, Lakshmi is instead worshipped on the full-moon night of Ashwin, a few weeks earlier, in Kojagari Lakshmi Puja; many Bengali families also perform the Diwali Lakshmi puja.

The Timing

Lakshmi Puja is set by the evening Pradosh, but Kali Puja is set by midnight. The correct night is the one on which Amavasya (the new moon) is in force at midnight, in the Nishita Kaal. In most years, Kali Puja and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day, but occasionally Kali Puja falls a day earlier. In 2026, the Nishita window for Kali Puja is from about 11:39 pm on 8 November to 12:31 am on 9 November.

What Happens

• Pandals and images. Images of Kali are installed in neighbourhood pandals and in homes for the night.
• Midnight worship. The main rites are performed at midnight, with offerings, mantras and the lighting of lamps. Temples such as Dakshineswar and Kalighat in Kolkata are central places of worship.
• Lamps and lights. Homes, shops and streets are lit with rows of lamps, candles and strings of light, as everywhere in India.
• Fireworks. The night is also loud with firecrackers.

Understanding Kali

Kali is a fierce and protective form of the Mother Goddess. Her worship on the darkest night of the month is linked with tantric traditions, and the midnight timing reflects this. For devotees she is also a loving mother who destroys fear and ignorance, and the same Diwali theme of light conquering darkness is carried by her puja.

Where to See It

Kolkata is the best place to see Kali Puja: Dakshineswar, Kalighat and neighbourhood pandals across the city are crowded after dark. The festival is also big in other parts of Bengal and in Assam and Odisha.

Visitor Tips

Pandal-hopping happens late at night, so arrange transport in advance. Keep a respectful distance during the midnight rites, ask before photographing, and expect loud fireworks.