Guwahati: Kali Puja is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Kali. While the rest of India worships Goddess Lakshmi on Amavasya Tithi during Diwali, eastern India, including West Bengal, Odisha and Assam worship Goddess Kali on the new moon in the month of Kartik.
Kali Puja is also called Shyama Puja and is the second most celebrated festival after Durga Puja in Eastern India. The puja takes place in the middle of the night. It is believed that goddess Kali ward-off negative waves around you, cut down all kind of impurities and fill your house with happiness.
It is widely believed that in Bengal, noted 16th-century Tantric scholar Krishnananda Agamavagisha was the one who started Kali Puja. The tantric scholar had once dreamt of Goddess Kali, who had until then largely been associated with death and darkness.
As per mythology, when her victory over the demons was certain, she danced so furiously that the earth trembled beneath her. At the request of the Gods, Shiva laid down in front of her to make her stop. When she accidentally stepped on him, she realised her mistake and put out her tongue and calmed down.
Kali Puja 2021: Date and tithi
- Kali Puja on Thursday, November 4, 2021
- Kali Puja Nishita Time 23:39 to 00:31, November 05
- Duration – 00 Hours 52 Mins
- Amavasya Tithi Begins 06:03 on November 04, 2021
- Amavasya Tithi Ends 02:44 on November 05, 2021
Kali Puja 2021: Rituals
Kali Puja is performed on the day when Amavasya prevails during midnight. She is worshipped at night with Tantrik rites and Mantras. Red hibiscus flowers, sweets, rice and lentils are offered. Some devotees meditate throughout the night until dawn.
In non – Tantrik tradition Goddess is worshipped as Adya Shakti and no animals are sacrificed. In Tantrik tradition, animals are ritually sacrificed and offered to Goddess.
