[ Edit ] Overview

Kali Maa is the ferocious form of Maa Durga and was born from the forehead (brow) of Maa Durga as “Kali Bhoi Nashini” to save the earth and heavens from the cruelty of demons. She is worshipped as Mother Goddess and a symbol of Shakti or Power/Strength that protects the world from evil with her eternal energy and cosmic power and helps to eliminate the dark side of life. She is also the “Goddess of Tantrism or Indian Black Magic”.

Kali Puja is a festival celebrated at the same time as Diwali or Festival of lights and is especially popular in the state of West Bengal.

It is believed that Kali Maa became popular goddess with the composition of text by Devi Mahatmya in the 5th and 6th century A.D.

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Quick Facts

[ Edit ] When

In the Hindu month of Kartik in October/ November.

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[ Edit ] Duration

Kali Puja is a 1 day festival and takes place on Amavasya or no moon night

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[ Edit ] Where

Kali Pooja is one of the most important festivals of Bengal and it is celebrated with great pomp and fanfare.

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[ Edit ] Also Known As

Kali Maa is also know by her several avatars like Shyama, Dakshina, Kalika, Chamundi and Bhadra Kali who is worshipped as the gentle Benevolent Mother.

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[ Edit ] Dedicated To

Kali Puja is dedicated to Goddess Kali

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[ Edit ] Significance

Devotees worship Kali Maa to seek her protection again evils like war, drought and ask for blessings, happiness, wealth and prosperity.

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[ Edit ] Legends/History

Two demons- Shambhu and Nishambhu had become very powerful and challenged Lord Indra, The King of Gods and His Kingdom of Heaven. The Gods then sought protection from Mahamaya Durga, the Goddess of Shakti or Power. Kali Ma was thus born form Durga Maa’s forehead as Kali Bhoi Nashini to destroy the evil. She destroyed the demons with the help of her two escorts Dakini and Yogini. After killing them both Kali Maa made a garland of their heads wearing it around her neck. In the blood bath she started killing people all who came her way which resulted in complete chaos. To stop her on this killing spree, Lord Shiva threw himself under her feet. She was so shocked that she stuck out her tongue in astonishment and immediately ended her killing spree. The image of Kali Maa depicts the moment she steps on Lord Shiva and repents.

Kali Puja was first celebrated by Maharaja Krishnan Chandra of Nawadeep where in ten thousand images of Kali Maa were worshipped by all the subjects of his kingdom and those who refused were punished. Ratanti kali Puja was celebrated on those days.

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[ Edit ] Traditions And Celebrations

The image of Kali Maa is celebrated at midnight on Amavasya night.

The image of Kali Maa usually shows her foot on the chest of Lord Shiva and she has four arms with a severed head in one hand, a sword in the other and wearing a garland of skulls around her neck. Her eyes are red and her body is smeared with blood. Her face depicts the extent of her powers of destruction. Her black complexion represents her transcendental nature while her white teeth are a symbol on her inner purity. Her three eyes are the three modes of time- past, present and future.

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Festival Fun

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[ Edit ] Gift Tradition

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[ Edit ] Others

Like in north India where they honour Lakshmi Maa, in Bengal Kali Maa is the main deity, the ferocious form of Maa Durga.

People light up their entire houses with diyas and fancy lanterns. Elaborate Rangoli designs are made in different parts of the houses as well as the courtyards. Fire crackers are also bursted , one with multi colours sprinklings.

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[ Edit ] Other Information

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