Kali Puja 2025: When, What & How to Celebrate the Festival of the Fierce Goddess
When is Kali Puja 2025?
In 2025, Kali Puja will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025, coinciding with Diwali — the festival of lights. Kali Puja falls on the new moon day (Amavasya Tithi) in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually observed in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and parts of eastern India with immense devotion.
Kali Puja 2025 Date & Muhurat (IST):
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: October 20, 2025, at 03:44 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: October 21, 2025, at 05:54 PM
- Kali Puja Nishita Time: 11:41 PM (Oct 20) to 12:31 AM (Oct 21)
This period is considered the most auspicious time for performing Kali Puja rituals and offering prayers to the Goddess of Power.
What is Kali Puja?
Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja or Mahanisha Puja, is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce and compassionate form of Goddess Parvati.
She represents the power of destruction and creation, helping devotees conquer ignorance, ego, and evil forces.
The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, much like Diwali in northern India where Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. While the rest of India celebrates Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya night, Bengal, Odisha, and Assam revere Kali Maa — symbolizing divine strength and protection.
The Mythological Significance
According to Hindu scriptures, when demons (asuras) threatened peace on earth, Goddess Durga manifested as Kali, born out of her forehead in a burst of rage.
In her fierce form, Maa Kali destroyed all demons, wearing a garland of their heads and a skirt of their arms.
However, in her uncontrolled fury, she began destroying everything — until Lord Shiva lay down in her path.
Realizing she had stepped on her beloved, Kali stuck out her tongue in shock and calmed down — a moment immortalized in her iconic form.
Thus, Kali Puja reminds devotees of balance — between strength and compassion, destruction and renewal.
Spiritual Meaning of Kali Puja
Kali is not just a destroyer — she is the liberator of souls. Worshipping her removes fear, ego, and illusion, leading one toward enlightenment.
She symbolizes:
- The power of time (Kala) and change.
- The end of darkness and ignorance.
- Protection from evil forces and negative influences.
- Inner transformation and the victory of truth.
How to Celebrate Kali Puja 2025
Kali Puja Preparations
Devotees clean and decorate their homes with oil lamps, diyas, and rangolis.
Images or idols of Maa Kali are installed in homes and temples, adorned with red flowers, hibiscus garlands, and sandal paste.
Offerings and Rituals
- Midnight Worship: The main Kali Puja begins around midnight, symbolizing the destruction of darkness.
- Offerings (Bhog): Devotees offer rice, sweets, lentils, fruits, wine, and fish — as these symbolize abundance and devotion.
- Chanting & Aarti: The mantra “Om Krim Kalikaye Namah” is recited, and aarti is performed with incense, lamps, and conch sounds.
Tantric Worship (for Sadhakas)
In certain traditions, Tantrik rituals are performed secretly under strict guidance, invoking the goddess’s energy for spiritual awakening.
Community Pandals
In West Bengal, grand Kali Puja pandals light up cities like Kolkata, Howrah, and Siliguri.
Elaborate idols of the goddess are displayed, and devotees gather to sing hymns, offer prayers, and seek blessings.
Lighting and Fireworks
Like Diwali, homes and temples are illuminated with thousands of oil lamps and candles, representing the victory of light over darkness. Fireworks fill the night sky as families exchange sweets and joy.
Foods and Offerings
Kali Puja bhog includes:
- Khichuri, Labra (mixed vegetables), Rice, Luchi, Sandesh, Rasgulla, and Fruits.
Some traditional devotees also offer fish, rice, and liquor, symbolic of abundance and realism in the Tantric tradition.
The Message of Kali Puja
Kali Puja teaches us that:
- Darkness must be faced to awaken inner light.
- Ego and greed lead to destruction.
- The divine mother protects all her children, even through fearsome forms.
The festival thus celebrates transformation, renewal, and divine justice.
Quick Summary: Kali Puja 2025
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Kali Puja/Shyama Puja/Mahanisha Puja |
| Date | Monday, October 20, 2025 |
| Main Deity | Goddess Kali |
| Puja Time | 11:41 PM (Oct 20) to 12:31 AM (Oct 21) |
| Occasion | New Moon Night (Amavasya), coinciding with Diwali |
| Significance | Worship of Goddess Kali to destroy evil and ignorance |
| Major States | West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura |
| Rituals | Midnight worship, Bhog offering, Lighting diyas, Chanting mantras |
