What is Kali Puja (Shyama Puja) and why is it the biggest night festival in Bengal?

Kali Puja, also called Shyama Puja, is the Bengali Hindu festival worshipping Goddess Kali — the fierce, dark form of Shakti representing the destruction of evil and liberation of the soul. Observed on Kartik Amavasya (November 8, 2026), Kali Puja night features elaborate community pandals, fireworks, all-night celebrations, and a midnight puja. Kali is Bengal's own deity — no other Indian state celebrates her with this intensity.

When is Kali Puja 2026 and what is the midnight puja time?

Kali Puja 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8 — Kartik Amavasya. The main puja is performed at midnight, aligned with the Nishitha Kaal in the Bengali panjika. Most temples and pandals begin their midnight abhishek between 11:30 PM on November 8 and 12:30 AM on November 9.

What is the difference between Kali Puja in Bengal and Diwali in the rest of India?

In most of India, November 8, 2026 is Diwali — honouring Goddess Lakshmi and Rama's return to Ayodhya. In West Bengal, the same night is Kali Puja — the midnight worship of Goddess Kali. The fireworks happen on the same night, but the deity and ritual are entirely different. Many Bengali households observe both.

Is Kali Puja 2026 a public holiday in West Bengal?

Yes, Kali Puja is a gazetted public holiday in West Bengal. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, November 8. Government offices, schools, banks, and courts are closed. The days around Kali Puja are a festival break in Bengal.

What is the Barasat Kali Puja tradition and why is it famous?

Barasat in North 24 Parganas is famous for spectacular Kali Puja pandals that draw crowds from across the district and Kolkata. The pandals are known for artistic and thematic elaborateness, and Kali Puja night in Barasat is a major cultural event in the Bengali calendar.

Kali Puja 2026 (Shyama Puja) | কালী পূজা ২০২৬

Kali Puja 2026 â€” Subho Deepavali clay diyas and fireworks

Looking for calendar views and tithis?

Read more about the exact tithi timings and planetary alignments in our comprehensive November 2026 Calendar.

View November Calendar →

About Kali Puja (Shyama Puja)(উৎসব পরিচিতি)

Kali Puja 2026 (Shyama Puja) falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Celebrated on Kartik Amavasya night, Kali Puja is Bengal's major night festival. Devotees worship Goddess Kali â€” the fierce manifestation of Shakti who destroys evil forces and bestows motherly grace. Homes and streets are lit with thousands of clay diyas (Pradeep), paper lanterns (Akash Pradeep), and colorful electric lights. Major pandals in Barasat, Naihati, and Kolkata draw vast crowds.

History: Raja Krishnachandra of Nadia popularised public Kali Puja in Bengal in the 18th century, followed by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa at Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Significance: Gazetted public holiday in West Bengal.

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Midnight Kali Puja with Tantrik and Vedic mantras.

Lighting 14 clay lamps (Choddo Pradeep) on Choddo Shag night.

Offering hibiscus flowers, sweets, and Bhog.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

Bhoger Khichuri, Luchi, Niramish Pathar Mangso (goat meat offered to Devi), and sweets.

Festival Calendar

Nov8

Kali Puja

২৩ কার্তিক • কালী পূজা ২০২৬

Sun

Related Festivals

Diwali (Deepavali)

দীপাবলি ২০২৬

8 November

Bhai Phonta

ভাইফোঁটা ২০২৬

10 November

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

November 2026 Calendar Daily Panjika All Festivals 2026 Full Year Calendar

Quick Info

FestivalKali Puja (Shyama Puja)

Date8 November 2026

DaySunday

Tithiনবমী

Bangla Date২৩ কার্তিক ১৪৩৩

Pakshaকৃষ্ণপক্ষ

Panjika Details

Sunrise6:05 AM

Sunset5:00 PM

Nakshatraকৃত্তিকা

Yogaসিদ্ধি

Karanaগর

Need Bengali Date conversion?