Kali Puja is a profound festival dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce, dark, and protective form of the divine feminine (Shakti). It is celebrated primarily in Bengal and coincides exactly with the pan-Indian festival of Diwali, being observed during the potent dark hours of the new moon night (Amavasya). The festival captures the deep Tantric roots of Bengali spirituality, emphasizing the destruction of ego and ignorance.

History: The current grand community form of the festival was heavily popularized in the 18th century by Raja Krishnachandra of Nadia and the legendary mystic Ramprasad Sen. While the rest of India lights lamps to welcome Lord Rama and pray to Lakshmi for wealth, Bengalis illuminate their homes with thousands of earthen lamps to guide and seek the blessings of the powerful, evil-destroying Mother Kali.

Significance: The festival marks the victory of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. Houses are illuminated with thousands of oil lamps (Prodip) and candles.