While many Indian states light diya to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and celebrate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, Bengal , Assam, and parts of Assam worship Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Shakti.
This distinct tradition, known as Shyama Puja or Kali Puja,is followed for deep-rooted philosophical, historical, and ritualistic reasons.
Let's understand why Bengal worships the fierce form of Shakti on Diwali.
Why Is Kali Puja Performed On The Night Of Diwali?
Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya, considered the darkest night of the Hindu lunar calendar. In Hindu philosophy,this darkness represents cosmic silence, ego, and unmanifested energy.
On Diwali night, worshipping Goddess Kali removes this darkness with light. The name of Goddess Kali itself symbolises the ruler of time, transformation, and destruction of spiritual ignorance.
On Diwali night, worshipping Goddess Kali removes this darkness with light (Image: Pexels)
Historical Origin Of Worshipping Kali In Bengal
According to historical lore, in the 16th century, a legendary Tantric scholar from Nabadwip, Agambagisha, had a vision in which he was commanded by Goddess Kali to sculpt an image of her based on the first woman he saw the next morning.
When he woke up, he saw a dark-skinned cowherd girl standing with her right foot forward, her tongue bitten between her teeth out of shyness after accidentally stepping on something.
This image became Dakshina Kali, the benevolent, right-footed form of Kali standing on top of Lord Shiva, which is worshipped across Bengali households during Diwali today.
Why Does Bengal Perform Kali Puja Over Lakshmi Puja On Diwali?
In Bengali tradition, Kali is not merely a fierce form of Shakti but a mother who represents power that destroys evil demons like Nishumbha, Shumbha, and Raktabeeja and dissolves human ego. For Bengali devotees, worshipping Kali during Diwali night is an act of total surrender.
It is believed that if Goddess Lakshmi gives material possessions to enjoy, Goddess Kali gives liberation from the physical world's deceptions.
For Bengali devotees, worshipping Kali during Diwali night is an act of total surrender (Image: Pexels)
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How To Perform Goddess Kali Puja On Diwali?
While households outside Bengal perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja in the evening, Kali Puja takes place at midnight. The rituals that one must follow while worshipping are:
1. The night before Kali Puja, Bengalis light fourteen diyas around their homes and eat 14 leafy greens to remove evil spirits and honour 14 generations of ancestors.
2. Unlike other typical Hindu festivals where vegetarian food is offered, many traditional Kali Pujas include offerings of fish, goat meat, and khichdi as Bhog.
3. Pandal floors and entrances are covered in intricate rice-paste art called Alpona, and the goddess is adorned with garlands of 108 red hibiscus flowers.
Thus worshipping Goddess Kali on the day of Diwali is believed to life greatest challenges, crises, fears, and negative energies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Bengalis worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali?
Bengalis do worship Goddess Lakshmi, but usually on Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, which takes place on the full moon night, Purnima, just five days after Durga Puja.
2. What is the difference between Shyama Puja and Kali Puja?
There is no difference. Shyama means the dark-complexioned one, which is another loving name for Goddess Kali. Hence, Kali Puja celebrated on Diwali night is also called Shyama Puja.