Bhoot Chaturdashi and Kali Pujo Festivals
West Bengal along with 3 other states celebrates Bhoot Chaturdashi and Kali Pujo while the rest of India celebrates Diwali on this new moon day. Goddess Kali, addressed as Maa Kali is the ferocious form of Goddess Durga.
Bhoot Chaturdashi Festival
But before Kali Puja Bengali households celebrate Bhoot Chaturdashi, a unique custom, celebrated to ward off the evil spirits. It is similar to Halloween celebrated in west.
The night prior to Kali Pujo, it is believed that bhoot descends on earth. Bengalees clean up the house, clear all garbage which is considered a favorite haunt of bhoot (ghosts). In addition to that they eat 14 different kinds of leafy vegetables.
Bhoot Chaturdashi – pic by Chandrani Choudhury
Other names for this Hindu festival Bhoot Chaturdashi are: Naraka Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali, Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, or Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi. One of the main rituals observed by Bengalis on this Bhoot Chaturdashi festival is lighting 14 lamps. Every dark corner and nook is illuminated with light.
Significance of 14 lamps on Bhoot Chaturdashi
- Diyas/lamps or pradip, as they are called in Bengali, indicate that light will always dispel darkness
- Devotees believe that, on the eve of this dark night, the souls of the deceased come down to earth to visit their dear ones
- Lamps are placed all around the house to guide the souls homewards
- To ward off any evil forces from houses on the night before Kali Puja
- To honor the family’s 14 forefathers
Kali Pujo Idol Making
And just like how in Durga Pujo clay idols of goddess is made for Kali Pujo too clay idols are made and painted. Usually the idol makers who come to Bangalore for making the idols of Goddess Durga make idols of Goddess Kali at the same time.
Idols of Goddess Kali are made in much smaller shapes and are usually given a deep blue color, though some idols are given a complete black color. I watched the artisans paint the idols and it was a beautiful and calming experience.
Kali Pujo idol making
Legend of Goddess Kali
There is a story behind this form of Goddess Kali:
Goddess Kali is believed to be born from the brow of Goddess Durga during one of her battles with the evil forces. In the battle, Kali was so much involved in the killing people that she began destroying everything in sight.
To stop her, other Gods requested her husband Lord Shiva to save them from her wrath. Lord Shiva threw himself under her feet. Shocked at this turn of events, Kali stuck out her tongue in astonishment and embarrassment. This put an end to her wild acts.
It is this form of Kali that is worshiped in midnight. The idol depicts her in her mêlée mood, standing with one foot on Shiva’s chest, with her enormous tongue stuck out. Kali Puja is done to diminish the ego and all negative tendencies that hinder spiritual progress and material prosperity.
Painting of Goddess Kali
Kali Goddess Painting
Kali Pujo Pandals
Kali Pujos are usually not done in a theme based manner. They are done in pandals like Durga Pujo but the celebration is just for one day, rather one night. People visit the pandals throughout the night in their best attires. Another opportunity for women to make purchases!
Bursting crackers too has become a part of this pujo, mostly done by youngsters to keep pace with others celebrating Diwali.
This year the kali pujo will be past midnight of 24th October 2022. Women fast throughout the day and break their fast after the puja process is complete.
Kali Pujo Bangalore
Kali Pujor Bhog
The bhog on Kali Puja is very different from the bhog we get on Durga Puja which is strictly vegetarian. On Kali Pujo there an added item, the Niramish Mangsho. It is the famous vegetarian mangsho (mutton) of Bengalis prepared without using onion and garlic.
Bhog on Kali Pujo – niramish mangsho, peas pulao, vegetable chop, phool kopir torkari, tomato chutney.
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Great Research my friend. Keep it up!
Very interesting post. I was totally unaware about the Kali Pujo. I’m sure many others like me must have got to know about it from your great post. I like the pictures that shows the making of the idol.
Nice post.
Happy Kali Puja and Subho Diwali
Greetings
Such an interesting image. Love the bright colors.
Very nice. Wish I could have extended my stay in Kolkata for Kali Puja as well!!!
Thanks a lot for sharing Indrani ji . Wish you a very Happy Deepawali
I can imagine what it must have been like to watch the artist(s) at work. I love watching people paint, too.
Nice knowing about Kali Pujo. I hope you had a good puja. 🙂
Very informative post, Indrani. Wish you a very Happy Kali Puja and Diwali 🙂
I had no idea Bangalore also perms this festival with so much zeal and vibrancy 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Lovely post!
Beautiful 🙂
Hello Indrani, the idols are colorful, it is great to be able to watch them being painted. Happy Diwali, Indrani!
Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!
Wow! It’s great to see that Bangalore is celebrating Kali pujo with such enthusiasm… 🙂
Subho Kali pujo, Indrani… 🙂
Happy Diwali Indtani. Fantastic images.
Thank you Bob!
Wow! Thanks for sharing that. I was not aware of Kali Pujo and the story behind it. Great pictures. Where did you click them in Bangalore?
Yes Parul in Bangalore.
Thanks. 🙂
Thanks for the new info. Do they burst crackers?
Yes they do Arun.
Thanks!
Thanks a lot for sharing Indrani!!!
Her story always seem to intrigue me. They do say hell hath no fury than a woman scorned (or simply put angry 😀 )
Colorful and nice indeed!
So colorful. Hope to experience this first hand some day! ?
Colorful and fun to see!! Wonderful capture as always, Indrani!! I hope you have a wonderful new week!!
Indrani – I didn’t know the story behind this form of Kali .. Thank you do much, got to learn something today!
Oh, I would LOVE to have one of these. I hope something similar is still there when I come…plan to in April.
I believe I would find it soothing to watch the artists paint too. I think it’s great they let you take photos too!