Worship of Maa Durga, the protective form of the Divine Mother, performed at home or during Navratri with Saptashati recitation and aarti.
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Goddess Kali
Kali Puja
Worship of Maa Kali, the fierce and compassionate form of the Divine Mother, traditionally offered on Amavasya and on the night of Kartik Amavasya.
In-person Online available2 to 3 hoursAlso: Maa Kali PujaAlso: Shyama Puja
Overview
What is Kali Puja?
Kali Puja is the worship of Maa Kali, the form of the Divine Mother who is honoured as the destroyer of ignorance and fear. Though her form is fierce, devotees relate to her above all as a mother who protects her children, and her worship is marked by deep devotion rather than fear.
The best known Kali Puja is performed on the night of Kartik Amavasya, the same night as Diwali, especially in the Bengali tradition where it is also called Shyama Puja. Many families also worship her on other Amavasya nights, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and during Navratri. The vidhi usually includes invocation, shodashopachara offerings, recitation of Kali stotras and mantra japa, and aarti.
Red hibiscus flowers, a lamp of mustard oil or ghee, and simple bhog are closely associated with her worship. Customs vary a great deal between Shakta families and regions, and the Pandit follows your family's practice wherever you share it.
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha, nirvighnaṁ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā.
Significance
In the Devi Mahatmya, Kali emerges from the brow of Goddess Durga to defeat the demons Chanda and Munda, and later to overcome Raktabija. Her dark form is understood as time itself, before which every fear and every ego falls away.
In the Shakta tradition, Kali is also the first of the ten Mahavidyas. Devotees associate her worship with courage, protection of the household and freedom from inner fears.
Who performs it
- Families who observe Kali Puja or Shyama Puja on Kartik Amavasya
- Devotees of the Divine Mother in the Shakta tradition
- Those who wish to pray for protection and courage during a difficult period
- Bengali and other families who keep Kali Puja as a household custom
When to perform
- Kartik Amavasya night (Kali Puja or Shyama Puja, coinciding with Diwali)
- Monthly Amavasya nights
- Tuesdays and Saturdays, which many families associate with the Goddess
- During Navratri, especially on Ashtami
- On a muhurat suggested by the Pandit based on your family's calendar
Traditionally associated with
- Traditionally performed to seek the protection of the Divine Mother for the family
- Devotees associate Kali's worship with courage and freedom from fear
- Believed to help clear away negativity from the home
- Offers a focused night of prayer and devotion for the household
These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.
How the puja is performed
- 1
Preparation of the altar
A clean altar is set with a red cloth, an image or idol of Maa Kali, a kalash and lamps. Red hibiscus flowers are kept ready.
- 2
Ganesh Pujan and sankalp
The puja begins with Ganesh Pujan, followed by a sankalp in the family's name, gotra and intention.
- 3
Avahan of the Goddess
Maa Kali is invoked with dhyana shlokas and Vedic and Tantric mantras according to the family's tradition.
- 4
Shodashopachara puja
Sixteen offerings are made, including water, vastra, sindoor, red flowers, a garland of hibiscus, incense, lamp and naivedya.
- 5
Stotra and mantra japa
Kali stotras are recited and mantra japa is performed, often with a rudraksha or other mala as per custom.
- 6
Bhog, aarti and pushpanjali
Bhog is offered, the family joins the aarti and offers flowers with a prayer for the protection of the household.
The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.
Samagri (puja materials)
- Image or idol of Maa Kali
- Red cloth for the altar
- Red hibiscus flowers and a garland
- Kalash with mango leaves and a coconut
- Sindoor, kumkum and akshat
- Mustard oil or ghee lamps with cotton wicks
- Incense sticks and dhoop
- Seasonal fruits and sweets for bhog
- Betel leaves and supari
- Camphor for aarti
- Ganga jal
Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.
What's included
Usually included
- Experienced Pandit familiar with Kali Puja vidhi
- Sankalp in your family's name and gotra
- Guidance on samagri and preparation before the day
- Stotra path, mantra japa and aarti as per tradition
- Help choosing a suitable muhurat
Not included
- Samagri and idol, unless arranged on request
- Bhog items unless arranged in advance
- Travel beyond the service area
- Venue, pandal or decoration
- Dakshina customs, which vary by family and are discussed openly
Duration: 2 to 3 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.
In-person puja
A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.
Online puja
- · Share your name, gotra and intention for the puja on WhatsApp
- · The Pandit performs the sankalp and puja in your family's name
- · Join live on a video call and take part in the aarti from home
Available in
More cities are coming soon.
Kali Puja across regions
The same ritual goes by different names in different traditions. Whichever name your family uses, we can help.
- Kali Pujo
- Bengali
- Shyama Pujo
- Bengali
- Maa Kali Pujan
- Hindi
- Kali Pooja
- Spelling variant
- Kalika Pooja
- Marathi
- Kali Amman Pooja
- Tamil
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Kali Puja FAQs
When is Kali Puja performed?
The main Kali Puja falls on the night of Kartik Amavasya, the same night as Diwali. Many families also worship Maa Kali on other Amavasya nights, Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Can Kali Puja be done at home?
Yes. Many families perform Kali Puja at home with a simple altar, red flowers and a lamp. The Pandit keeps the vidhi suitable for a household.
Is Kali Puja the same as Durga Puja?
Both honour the Divine Mother, but Kali Puja is focused on her form as Kali and is usually performed at night on Amavasya, while Durga Puja is centred on Navratri.
How much does Kali Puja cost?
It depends on the vidhi, the number of Pandits, samagri and the location. Share your details on WhatsApp and we will get you a clear quote.
Related
Rituals often explored alongside Kali Puja
- Deity PujasIn-person availableOnline available
Navratri Puja
1.5 to 2 hours for Ghatasthapana; daily puja or path across nine days as agreed
The nine-night worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms, beginning with Ghatasthapana and concluding with Kanya Pujan and Navami havan.
Details 
Paths & WellbeingIn-person availableOnline availableDurga Saptashati Path
3 to 4 hours for a single complete path
Recitation of the 700 verses of the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana, traditionally chanted during Navratri and in times of difficulty.
Details- Homam & HavanIn-person availableOnline available
Chandi Homam
4 to 6 hours, longer for extended formats
A powerful fire ritual to Goddess Chandi, performed with verses of the Durga Saptashati for protection and strength.
Details
शुभं भवतु
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Share your preferred date, location and family customs on WhatsApp. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing before you book.