Kali Puja in Kolkata: A Unique Way of Celebrating Diwali in Bengal

Kolkata, the city of joy, has its own unique way of celebrating Diwali. Known as Dipaboli in Bengali, the festival here is not only about lights and firecrackers but is deeply intertwined with the worship of Goddess Kali. Dipaboli, derived from the Sanskrit words “Deep” (light) and “Aboli” (row), symbolises the “festival of lights.” However, in Kolkata, the essence of this celebration is more than just the triumph of good over evil—it's also about invoking Goddess Kali to remove darkness and protect her devotees.

Kali Puja: The Soul of Dipaboli in Kolkata

While Diwali across most of India focuses on celebrating Lord Shri Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshmana, Kolkata shifts the focus to worship of Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Goddess Durga. Mythologically, Goddess Kali is believed to have slain the demons Shumbh and Nishumbh on this auspicious night, marking her victory over evil. 

After Goddess Durga destroyed the buffalo demon Mahishasura, she was consumed by fury. From this rage, Kali appeared, embodying pure divine wrath, as she annihilated the demons that threatened the world. However, her fury was so intense that it led to destruction beyond her intentions, and only when Lord Shiva lay beneath her feet did she calm down, restoring peace and balance to the universe.

Bhoot Chaturdashi: The Ghostly Side of Kali Puja

Bhoot Chaturdashi, celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Kartik, is a unique festival in Bengali culture dedicated to honouring departed souls. This mystical evening involves the preparation of Choddo Shak (fourteen varieties of greens) for lunch and the lighting of fourteen diyas (oil lamps) at dusk, symbolising a connection between the living and the deceased. It is believed that the spirits of ancestors visit the mortal realm on this night, and these rituals help appease them while also warding off malevolent entities.

The festival intertwines myth and medicine, as the fourteen greens consumed are known for their health benefits, particularly in boosting immunity during seasonal changes. Bhoot Chaturdashi serves as a poignant reminder of gratitude and remembrance, as families come together to reflect on their ancestry and the legacies of their loved ones, ensuring that the traditions of the past continue to illuminate their lives.

Kali Puja Rituals: From Shodashopachara to Dlocaleepanjali

One of the most important practices of Kali puja is the Shodashopachara Puja—a 16-step worship that includes offerings of flowers, sweets, and fruits, all deeply symbolic. Red hibiscus flowers, linked to the goddess, and blood-red fruits play a prominent role in this ritual. As a married woman, bhog for Maa Kali consists of non-veg items like fish and even meats, which are later distributed among devotees.

Though animal sacrifice was once common during Kali Puja, this practice is steadily fading, replaced by the concept of Fhol Boli, where symbolic offerings like pumpkins or coconuts are sacrificed instead. This shift highlights how modern devotees honour traditions while embracing more humane and symbolic methods of worship.

The lighting of diyas and oil lamps is another essential aspect of Kali Puja, much like Diwali elsewhere. These lights represent the victory of light over darkness, as thousands of lamps illuminate homes and temples across the city.

Traditional Delicacies: Festive Special Sweet in Kolkata

No festival in Kolkata is complete without food, and Kali Puja brings a delightful array of sweets and delicacies. Pera, Langcha, Sitabhog, and Rasgulla are some of the beloved sweets enjoyed during the festivities. The markets in Kolkata buzz with energy as people flock to buy these traditional treats, ensuring that every celebration is a sweet affair.

Famous Places to Witness Kali Puja in Kolkata

While Kalighat Temple and Dakshineswar Temple are the heart of Kali worship, several other places across Kolkata host grand Kali Puja celebrations. Areas like Thanthania Kalibari at College Street, Bhowanipore Kali Bari, and Sovabazar become hubs of cultural activity, with beautifully decorated pandals and mesmerising rituals.

Kolkata’s Chinatown has a Unique Celebration of Diwali

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Diwali in Kolkata is the celebration in Tangra, India's only Chinatown. Tangra, home to Kolkata's Chinese-Indian community, showcases a rare and beautiful blend of Indian and Chinese traditions. During Diwali, the famous Kali Mandir in Chinatown also lights up with both Chinese lanterns and Indian diyas, creating a fascinating cultural fusion. The unique twist is that they often offer noodles as prasad, making Tangra a must-visit during Dipaboli.